Podcast appearances and mentions of Hudson Valley

Today, Clancy speaks with Dr. Renee Fillette, Executive Director of Dutchess Outreach and a longtime leader in food security work across New York's Hudson Valley. You won't want to miss their conversation about the hidden power dynamics in food distribution, what the 2025 SNAP crisis revealed, and why local, community-led systems are the only real path to dignity and lasting change.

In this episode of Crossing Faiths, John Pinna speaks with Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, the Abbot of the Zen Mountain Monastery, about the intersection of traditional Buddhist practice and modern American life. Shugen elucidates the role of an Abbot as both a spiritual teacher and administrator before diving into core Buddhist concepts, explaining how the suffering caused by clinging to a permanent sense of self can be alleviated through the "Middle Way" and non-attachment. The conversation explores Shugen's personal journey, from his upbringing in Atlanta during the Civil Rights movement—where the societal silence regarding segregation prompted his deep questioning of culture and history—to his transition from a budding career in mathematics and music to a disciplined monastic life in the Hudson Valley. They conclude by discussing the delicate balance between maintaining a cloistered environment for deep meditation and fulfilling the Bodhisattva vow of service, highlighting the monastery's efforts to engage with the wider community through social justice initiatives and anti-bias training. Geoffrey Shugen Arnold, Roshi is the Head of the Mountains and Rivers Order and Abbot of Zen Mountain Monastery. Shugen entered full-time residential training in 1986 after studying mathematics and receiving a degree in classical music. He received dharma transmission from John Daido Loori, Roshi in 1997. His teachings on Zen, social justice and environmental stewardship have appeared in various Buddhist journals, and The Best Buddhist Writing 2009 (Shambhala Publications). His book of poetry, O, Beautiful End (https://monasterystore.org/o-beautiful-end/), a collection of Zen memorial poems, was published in 2012. https://zmm.org/

Jill Rowe's creative path has been shaped by art, hospitality, and an enduring connection to nature. She began her career in fashion and the NYC art world before turning to film production and culinary work, opening her own restaurant in upstate New York and later running Danny Meyer's Union Square Café . Cooking, community, and the art of caring for people through the senses became the foundation of her work.Seeking a life more rooted in land and craft, Jill moved to the Hudson Valley, where she met her husband, photographer and author Matthew Benson, who restored Stonegate Farm into a vibrant ecosystem of organic produce, botanicals, and creative living. There, Jill co-founded Cultivate Apothecary, a skincare and wellness brand that unites her skills as a chef, sommelier, formulator, and gardener. Working directly with the botanicals she grows, she creates products and rituals designed to reconnect people to nature, nourishment, and themselves.Website:  CULTIVATE APOTHECARYUSE DISCOUNT CODE: https://cultivateapothecary.com/discount/spacewithcody20FRIENDS, THIS IS THE BEST HOLIDAY GIFT EVER! ✨ Thank you for tuning into Create the Space with Cody Maher! ✨I hope this episode sparked something in you—a shift, an insight, a reminder to create space for what truly matters.

Patrick Golden joins the podcast to talk about EVERYTHING! We talk about our upcoming shows, beginnings in comedy, stories from the past and more. Listen to this gem and share with friends. Upcoming Shows 12.5.25 | Carlstadt, NJ | Junk Mail Improv at Bolero Snort Brewery | 8 PM | lnhstudios.com/shows/bolerosnortdecember5 12.7.25 | New York, NY | Jordan Fried at The Comedy Shop | 2 PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-arms-comedy-tickets-1971407691474?aff=oddtdtcreator 12.20.25 | Bergenfield, NJ | Jordan Fried at Tommy Fox's *Filmmakers!* Sign up for Sutudu, a new platform to get distribution and package your pitches to sell to investors. A platform by filmmakers for filmmakers that takes the smallest royalties from distribution deals. Check it out, you can signup for a free account to get started. https://sutudu.com/register?ref=w8nyaxaw Sessions With Mary Jane is a Cannabis infused podcast hosted by stoner comedian and filmmaker, Jordan Fried.  It features interviews from musicians, filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers and business owners along with solo concept episodes.  While all guests do not necessarily partake, the one requirement is that they are pretty chill, man.  Listen for untold stories, how to guides, deeper dives and expanded curiosities. Your source for all things New Jersey, Hudson Valley and NYC.  New Episodes every Wednesday with exclusive bonus content. An LNH Studios podcast on the Gotham Network. Produced by the Gotham Network. LNH Studios is a comedy and video production company based out of Rutherford, New Jersey. It is comprised of the comedy trio Late Night Hump, consisting of Reena Ezra, Jordan Fried, and Brendan O'Brien.LNH Studios focuses on producing: • Podcasts • Films • Comedy shows and series (including sketch comedy, improv, stand-up, musical improv, and variety shows) They also offer classes and workshops related to comedy and production, and their services extend to recording audio and video, and scriptwriting.  You can find more information and contact them through their website, lnhstudios.com, or by phone at +1 845-545-0284.⁠ Jordan Fried⁠ (⁠https://jordanfried.myportfolio.com/⁠) is a SAG AFTRA comedian and filmmaker from Warwick, NY currently based in Rutherford, NJ. His debut comedy special and album, When The Edible Hits, is out on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, X, Facebook and Vinyl.  He is the co-director, co-writer and star of Beware The Horn, a film about a film school graduate that stumbles upon an improv troupe that he thinks is a cult.  He also appeared as the Young Peter Madoff in Madoff : Monster of Wall Street. He studied Digital Media Production and English at Tulane University, where he was a member of Cat Mafia Comedy. He's performed at Rhino Comedy, Eastville Comedy Club, Hell Yes Fest, Binghamton Comedy and Arts Festival, New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival and Northern Virginia Comedy Festival. He produced the comedy variety show, Circuit Break; Late Night Hump at NJ Weedman's Joint; and he is a founding member of the improv troupes, Duly Noted and The Mutts.  He taught media, podcasting and comedy classes for Montclair Film, Blue Sky Kids and Educate The Block.  He recently worked as the operations manager at The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

LIVE SHOW! Paranormal Heart is celebrating 8 YEARS !!!!!!! Special Guest joining in the festivity is Al ‘The SquatchFather” Santariga December 2nd, 2025 EP: 62 TOPIC: Celebrating 8 years as a Podcast Al Santariga graduated from the Center for Media Arts NYC with a Degree in Visual arts majoring in Photography. Mother was a psychic; Brother is one of the first parapsychologists in the US. Grandmother & Aunt were white witches. Cousin was a black witch. Sister is a sensitive & intuitive. Over 56 years of experience in all aspects of the paranormal. Psychic abilities - Clairvoyance – Vision, Clairaudience – Hearing, Clairsentience – Feeling, Claircognizant- Knowing, Clairalience – Smelling, Clairgustance – Tasting, Clairtangencey – Touching, Investigator, Experiencer, Researcher, Crypto Zoologist, Ufologist, Actor (has appeared in half a dozen independent Documentary along with Network TV regarding all aspects of the paranormal. Has appeared in & co-directed a TV commercial for Mountain biking. Has appeared in a made for Country Music Television Video. Founder/ Director of the Bronxville Paranormal Society, founder/ Director of the New York State UFO Project, founder/ Director of the New York State Sasquatch Organization, and Founder/ Director of the New York State Dogman Project. Region 3 Director of the North American Dogman Project. Ex Podcaster & Co-Host of Beyond the Realm Digital Radio Network. MUFON member New York State Chapter. Profiled in: Putnam Valley After Dark News Magazine, New York's Outdoor News Magazine, The Times Community Newspaper of the Hudson Valley, The Gothamist Internet Newspaper, Author Frank R. Santariga's book titled Paranormal Family & Friends, Author Richard Moschella's book titled Case Files of the Paranormal. Lecturer / Speaker / Presenter/ Podcast Interviewee/ On all paranormal aspects. Where to contact Al: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3558038479...

Zibby Publishing alert! Recorded live at Zibby's Bookshop in NYC, Zibby interviews debut novelist Julie Doar about THE GALLAGHER PLACE, an atmospheric, expertly paced, and utterly chilling murder mystery set in New York's Hudson Valley. Julie shares the inspiration behind the novel's haunting disappearance, its exploration of family secrets, and the power of girlhood friendship. She also talks about her journey from Starbucks barista to middle school English teacher to published author, along with the years of quiet drafting and perseverance that brought her story to life.Share, rate, & review the podcast, and follow Zibby on Instagram @zibbyowens!** Follow @totallybookedwithzibby on Instagram for listening guides and more. **(Music by Morning Moon Music. Sound editing by TexturesSound. To inquire about advertising, please contact allie.gallo@acast.com.) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To register for our Reimagine Buildings: Best of Retrofit online conference on Friday, December 5, 2025, visit https://passivehouseaccelerator.com/In this episode of The Passive House Podcast, Mary James interviews James Hartford and Juhee Lee Hartford of River Architects in Hudson Valley. The discussion covers the firm's focus on Passive House projects, mostly single-family homes with a mix of new constructions and retrofits. They touch on their first retrofit project affected by Hurricane Sandy, the evolving client interest in Passive House standards, and the firm's growth from two to ten employees. They discuss the financial and practical challenges of Passive House projects, including material and energy considerations, involvement in advocacy through Passive House Hudson Valley, and the growing demand for such homes. They also highlight the benefits of prefab construction in difficult climates and the importance of builder experience. https://www.riverarchitects.com/Video of River Architects' Bank Lofts retrofit project: https://youtu.be/GHLC2xGM-ykBest of Retrofit: https://events.ringcentral.com/events/reimagine-buildings-retrofit/registrationThank you for listening to the Passive House Podcast! To learn more about Passive House and to stay abreast of our latest programming, visit passivehouseaccelerator.com. And please join us at one of our Passive House Accelerator LIVE! zoom gatherings on Wednesdays.

There is no food writer we would rather talk to about Italy—and maybe about food in general—than Katie Parla. Katie is the author of several books, and her latest is a return to her hometown of Rome. Rome: A Culinary History, Cookbook, and Field Guide to the Flavors that Built a City captures the history and modern culinary spirit of one of the world's greatest cities. In this episode, we speak with Katie about her independent book publishing business, the current tourist vibes of Italy, and what makes Rome such a special place. And, at the top of the show, it's the return of Three Things, where Aliza and Matt talk about what is exciting them in the world of restaurants, cookbooks, and the food world as a whole. On this episode: A Korean restaurant and brewery, NY Makgeolli, is serving amazing freshwater eel in the Hudson Valley, Maxi's Noodle has a new location in Manhattan, Raf's is a great spot for weekday breakfast in Manhattan. Also: Toasted Pepita Pumpkin Spice from Burlap and Barrel may change your opinion about pumpkin spice, Ken Burns' The American Revolution has some surprises, and the new Frankenstein by Guillermo del Toro  is beautiful.  Also, we're doing a mailbag episode to end the year. Send your questions to: hello@tastecooking.com with Mailbag in the subject. We'll answer questions about cooking, favorite restaurants, past guests, cookbooks we may have missed, cities we should visit. If you have a question, Aliza and Matt will answer it.  Subscribe to This Is TASTE: ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠, ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ayurvedic practitioner and author Heather Grzych talks with novelist Sam Sussman, author of the bestselling novel Boy from the North Country, in a candid conversation about parents, family history, and the stories we inherit without choosing. Together they explore how personal loss becomes fiction, how caregiving rewires the body, and what it means to grow up in the long shadow of myth, especially when people can't help but wonder if you might be Bob Dylan's son. Sam reflects on transforming intimate family truths into narrative, while Heather brings her embodied lens to the ways lineage shapes identity, creativity, and the emotional patterns we carry. This is a conversation about grief, legacy, and the strange wisdom inside the histories we're born into. Heather Grzych, ADLC is an American author and expert in Ayurvedic medicine who was formerly the president of the National Ayurvedic Medical Association and the head of product development for a multi-billion-dollar health insurance company. She also serves part of the faculty at Mount Madonna Institute College of Ayurveda. Heather's first book, The Ayurvedic Guide to Fertility, has sold thousands of copies worldwide, and her writing has been featured in Sports Illustrated, Yoga Journal, and the Sunday Independent. Her podcast, Wisdom of the Body, holds an average rating of 5 stars on Apple Podcasts and is in the top 2.5% of podcasts globally.  Sam Sussman is the author of the USA Today Bestselling debut novel Boy From the North Country. The novel was named Oprah's most anticipated debut novel of the fall, hailed by Kirkus as "the most beautiful and moving mother-son story in recent memory," and Sam was recently profiled in the New York Times. Boy From the North Country is based on Sam's Harper's Magazine memoir The Silent Type on (possibly) being Bob Dylan's son. Sam graduated with a BA Swarthmore and M.Phil from Oxford and has lived in Jerusalem and Berlin. He lives in the Yorkville neighborhood of Manhattan and his native Hudson Valley. http://www.samevansussman.org/ Connect with Heather: Learn more at www.heathergrzych.com   Instagram.com/heathergrzych Facebook.com/grzychheather   Read the first six pages of The Ayurvedic Guide to Fertility for FREE: https://www.heathergrzych.com   Connect with Heather to balance your health with Ayurveda: https://www.heathergrzych.com/book-online

The Valley Girls chatted with Sheila Hyer, owner of Convenient Curations, about the bounty of thrift shops in the Hudson Valley, how to evaluate whether a secondhand purchase is worth it, and whether it's acceptable to give secondhand finds as gifts. (Spoiler alert: IT IS.) Thrifting can scratch your itch for a treasure hunt, support community groups who use resale stores to fund their aid programs, keep items out of landfills, and occasionally lead to unbelievable scores - if you know how to do it. Listen now for Sheila's advice before you hit the thrift shops! A huge thank you to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bryant Home Improvement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring Season 4 of the podcast! With over 20 years of experience in luxury home building, Bryant Home Improvement is dedicated to ensuring quality and efficiency in every project and bringing value to your home - right here in the Hudson Valley.Thanks for listening! To help support the Valley Girls, please follow our podcast from our show page, leave a rating and review, and please spread the word and share our podcast with others. We really appreciate your support!To stay up to date and for more content you can find us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠valleygirlspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ValleyGirlsPodNY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/@ValleyGirlsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and also check out the Newsletter and Pod Squad tab on our website to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠so you never miss a thing! All links can also be found in our Instagram bio.Episode music by Robert Burke Warren entitled Painting a Vast Blue Sky can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠robertburkewarren.bandcamp.com/track/painting-a-vast-blue-sky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Jordan Fried does a solo ep to talk about his thoughts on AI and its future. *Filmmakers!* Sign up for Sutudu, a new platform to get distribution and package your pitches to sell to investors. A platform by filmmakers for filmmakers that takes the smallest royalties from distribution deals. Check it out, you can signup for a free account to get started. https://sutudu.com/register?ref=w8nyaxaw Upcoming Shows 12.7.25 | New York, NY | Jordan Fried at The Comedy Shop | 2 PM https://www.eventbrite.com/e/open-arms-comedy-tickets-1971407691474?aff=oddtdtcreator 12.20.25 | Bergenfield, NJ | Jordan Fried at Tommy Fox's Sessions With Mary Jane is a Cannabis infused podcast hosted by stoner comedian and filmmaker, Jordan Fried.  It features interviews from musicians, filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers and business owners along with solo concept episodes.  While all guests do not necessarily partake, the one requirement is that they are pretty chill, man.  Listen for untold stories, how to guides, deeper dives and expanded curiosities. Your source for all things New Jersey, Hudson Valley and NYC.  New Episodes every Wednesday with exclusive bonus content. An LNH Studios podcast on the Gotham Network. Produced by the Gotham Network. LNH Studios is a comedy and video production company based out of Rutherford, New Jersey. It is comprised of the comedy trio Late Night Hump, consisting of Reena Ezra, Jordan Fried, and Brendan O'Brien.LNH Studios focuses on producing: • Podcasts • Films • Comedy shows and series (including sketch comedy, improv, stand-up, musical improv, and variety shows) They also offer classes and workshops related to comedy and production, and their services extend to recording audio and video, and scriptwriting.  You can find more information and contact them through their website, lnhstudios.com, or by phone at +1 845-545-0284.⁠ Jordan Fried⁠ (⁠https://jordanfried.myportfolio.com/⁠) is a SAG AFTRA comedian and filmmaker from Warwick, NY currently based in Rutherford, NJ. His debut comedy special and album, When The Edible Hits, is out on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, X, Facebook and Vinyl.  He is the co-director, co-writer and star of Beware The Horn, a film about a film school graduate that stumbles upon an improv troupe that he thinks is a cult.  He also appeared as the Young Peter Madoff in Madoff : Monster of Wall Street. He studied Digital Media Production and English at Tulane University, where he was a member of Cat Mafia Comedy. He's performed at Rhino Comedy, Eastville Comedy Club, Hell Yes Fest, Binghamton Comedy and Arts Festival, New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival and Northern Virginia Comedy Festival. He produced the comedy variety show, Circuit Break; Late Night Hump at NJ Weedman's Joint; and he is a founding member of the improv troupes, Duly Noted and The Mutts.  He taught media, podcasting and comedy classes for Montclair Film, Blue Sky Kids and Educate The Block.  He recently worked as the operations manager at The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's our monthly chat about The Feminine Frequency with Jennifer and Theresa! Joining us today in conversation is Liridona Duraku, a first generation Albanian American. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley and spends most of her time outdoors studying the local fauna. Liri received a BA from CUNY York in Journalism and Political Science but found herself working in mostly activist spaces. She has a professional background in the food industry, farming and hospitality. Recently she did further study as a special student at SUNY New Paltz studying art and psychology.Liri is also an herbalist. As a child, herbal remedies and natural medicine was part of her upbringing, she often heard stories of women healers and even got to know a few. She blends her ancestral Balkan knowledge with the various herbal trainings she has done. She has studied with Vanessa Chakour of Sacred Warrior in Brooklyn and Scotland, Clinical Alchemy with Evolutionary Herbalism, Ayurveda with Tribe Yoga in Rishikesh, India, Astro-Herbalism with Judith Hill and Wild Gather in the Hudson Valley.Liri has published fiction and non-fiction writing and shown work in small local galleries. Her work is primarily oil paintings, charcoal  and pastel drawings but recently has been playing in forms of ceramics and sculpture of various materials. She draws inspiration from her experience of diaspora, a child of (non-documented) immigrants fleeing war and ethnic cleansing. She brings in imagery, ritual and mysticism of Balkan culture and themes of plants, animals, folklore, myth and magic can be seen throughout her work.Today we get to hear about what Land Divination is and how Liri began communicating with the land and its many occupants. The conversation weaves through some of the practical, and often the magical of being in right relationship to the land, plants and animals. She offers monthly Earth Oracle readings and Land Divination workshops at Spiral Mirror in Kingston, NY, as well as an online Land Divination course. You can find her paintings, ceramic work and herbal potions for sale on her website as well as at Pink Clementine in Kerhonkson, NY, Feast and Floret in Hudson, NY and soon at Holding Space in Kingston, NY. Liri offers private reading and ritual sessions as well as custom aura paintings. Contact lirimeansfree@gmail.com for any other inquiries.Here's the article I mentioned about the Origins of Thanksgiving and the perspectives of 7 Native Americans.And lastly, the Red Feather Drummers hold monthly talks at the Old Dutch Church.Today's show was engineered by Ian Seda from Radiokingston.org.Our show music is from Shana Falana!Feel free to email me, say hello: she@iwantwhatshehas.org** Please: SUBSCRIBE to the pod and leave a REVIEW wherever you are listening, it helps other users FIND IThttp://iwantwhatshehas.org/podcastITUNES | SPOTIFYITUNES: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/i-want-what-she-has/id1451648361?mt=2SPOTIFY:https://open.spotify.com/show/77pmJwS2q9vTywz7Uhiyff?si=G2eYCjLjT3KltgdfA6XXCAFollow:INSTAGRAM * https://www.instagram.com/iwantwhatshehaspodcast/FACEBOOK * https://www.facebook.com/iwantwhatshehaspodcast

A lot of team leaders are trying to grow right now, but very few know how to scale without burning out, losing culture, or drowning in problems that show up the moment the business gets bigger. That tension is exactly where Lindsay Stevens built her strength. And the way she talks about these challenges will make every real estate leader stop and think.   On this episode of the GRIT Podcast, Brian Charlesworth sits down with Lindsay, co-owner and team leader of Stevens Real Estate, to uncover how she went from overwhelmed agent to running one of the fastest-growing teams in her market.    The twist is that none of it came from perfect planning. It came from saying yes to uncomfortable moments, including being thrown onto a five-thousand-person stage with one week to prepare. She also breaks down the discipline required to survive New York's long 120-day transaction cycle. It is the kind of cycle that forces leaders to either master their systems or get buried by them.   Lindsay talks about the seasons she had to fight through distractions, doubt, and long days that made her question whether she was even built for leadership. She shares a simple line that keeps her centered. "Life is hard. Real estate is hard. But the sun comes up tomorrow." It is the kind of line that hits differently when you hear the story behind it.   Brian and Lindsay also break down a moment that shifted their entire operation. Dialing in their Sisu stages, statuses, and tagging finally removed the chaos inside New York's long transaction cycle, and it changed the way their agents performed. As she puts it, "You do not rise to the level of your goals. You fall to the level of your systems."   Top Takeaways:   (2:23) Saying yes to a 5000-person stage (9:51) Breakthroughs after wanting to quit (12:02) CEO vs. team leader roles in a business (14:21) How Sisu rebuilt transaction flow (21:08) The power of proximity and fast execution (32:19) Scaling with leverage and a new COO (32:12) Working on the business, not in the business (37:58) Why systems come before 20 agents (38:28) Micro commitments and predictable wins in Sisu (42:21) AI as a business partner and coach (45:00) Why AI will not replace relationships in real estate   If you want an honest look at growth, leadership, and the real work behind building a strong team, this episode with Lindsay will pull you in from the first few minutes.   About Lindsay Stevens   Lindsay Stevens is a Hudson Valley native and co-founder of Stevens Realty Group, featured on HGTV's House Hunters. She led New Paltz as the top sales agent in 2017, 2018, and 2019 while growing the firm into a multi-million dollar real estate and property management company. With a background in Legal Studies and Business from UMass Amherst, she has worked in sales, marketing, and communications with companies like Edelman and Morgan Stanley. Lindsay is also a mother of two and an active runner who has deep roots in the Hudson Valley community.   Connect with Lindsay: LinkedIn

In this tender and intimate episode of This Cosmic Life, I sit with one of my dearest friends and long time teachers, the storyteller and nature keeper Jill Olesker. Together we wander through the wild terrain of folktales, lived experience, and the way stories move through our bodies like rivers remembering their source. Jill speaks about the art of gathering stories from the land, from people, and from the quiet hidden places where truth rests. Her presence brings a grounded mysticism, inviting us to listen in a slower and more reverent way. This conversation is for anyone who feels called to remember the stories that shaped them, the stories that shape the earth, and the stories waiting to be spoken again. About Jill OleskerJill Olesker is a storyteller of the land and of the lived heart. She gathers folktales, nature tales, and the real stories people carry in their bones. Rooted in the Hudson Valley, she is one of the quiet keepers of its nature based storytelling traditions. Jill is a mother to a beautiful grown son, and she offers her stories as an act of reciprocal care for community and earth. She is currently creating a living body of work called The Waterstories, inviting people to remember, honor, and share their own water born memories. You can connect with her at waterstoriesshared@gmail.com to learn more about her offerings or to share your water story. I'm Tara Samadhi, and it is my joy to welcome you into This Cosmic Life. I walk a path as a mystic, a spiritual friend, an oracle, and a lover of the sacred. My own journey has been shaped by deep devotion and radical healing, and along the way I have gathered wisdom from Umbandaime, Sacred Medicines, Tibetan Buddhism, Esoteric Hindu Traditions, Non Dual Shaiva Tantra, sound alchemy, and the ancient mystery schools.This podcast is a space where we weave those threads together, not as concepts but as living practices that open our hearts and awaken the Shakti within us. Through mantra, through sound, and through soul filled conversation, we remember that we are divine beings having a human experience.Here, nothing is outside of the sacred. We come together to explore the pathless path, the wild and mysterious unfolding of transformation, devotion, and awakening. My prayer is that this space becomes a sanctuary where you feel seen, inspired, and invited to walk deeper into the truth of who you are.Website: https://tarasamadhi.com/Instagram:⁠⁠ https://www.instagram.com/tarasamadhi/⁠⁠

We welcome Dr. Sunny Intwala, a leading preventive cardiologist with Northwell Health in the Hudson Valley, specializing in cholesterol management, cardiac imaging and heart-disease prevention. Ray Graf hosts.

#250: Farmer, activist, and Real Organic ally Karen Washington joins Dave Chapman to talk about her decades-long fight for food justice and her friendship with food systems pioneer Joan Gussow Karen traces her journey from growing up in the Bronx projects to co-founding Rise & Root Farm, a women-led, LGBTQ+ and BIPOC cooperative in New York's Hudson Valley. Together, they discuss how small farms, community gardens, and food justice movements are redefining what it means to grow and share food in America. Karen's message is clear: food, water, and shelter are human rights - and the path forward is together.https://realorganicproject.org/karen-washington-food-justice-community-250The Real Organic Podcast is hosted by Dave Chapman and Linley Dixon, engineered by Brandon StCyr, and edited and produced by Jenny Prince.The Real Organic Project is a farmer-led movement working towards certifying 1,000 farms across the United States this year. Our add-on food label distinguishes soil-grown fruits and vegetables from hydroponically-raised produce, and pasture-raised meat, milk, and eggs from products harvested from animals in horrific confinement (CAFOs - confined animal feeding operations).To find a Real Organic farm near you, please visit:https://www.realorganicproject.org/directoryWe believe that the organic standards, with their focus on soil health, biodiversity, and animal welfare were written as they should be, but that the current lack of enforcement of those standards is jeopardizing the ability for small farms who adhere to the law to stay in business. The lack of enforcement is also jeopardizing the overall health of the customers who support the organic movement; customers who are not getting what they pay for at market but still paying a premium price. And the lack of enforcement is jeopardizing the very cycles (water, air, nutrients) that Earth relies upon to provide us all with a place to live, by pushing extractive, chemical agriculture to the forefront.If you like what you hear and are feeling inspired, we would love for you to join our movement by becoming one of our 1,000  Real Friends:https://www.realorganicproject.org/real-organic-friends/To read our weekly newsletter (which might just be the most forwarded newsletter on the internet!) and get firsthand news about what's happening with organic food, farming and policy, please subscribe here:https://www.realorganicproject.org/email/

On today's episode we welcome on the U.S. representative for New York's 18th congressional district, Pat Ryan. Ryan is a decorated combat veteran, West Point graduate and fifth-generation Hudson Valley native. We get into the Epstein Files House vote, the congressional baseball team, young people and their political parties, politicians on social media and much more. Plus, we dive into everything in the news including Bill Belichick at Jordon's cheerleading competition, Olivia Nuzzi and her political affairs, PFT's plane corner, CFB AP Poll, Lane Kiffin, the future of education and much more. Enjoy! (00:03:00) Epstein Files Vote (00:13:34) World Cup (00:16:30) University of San Diego Acceptance Rate (00:29:48) CFB AP Poll (00:53:20) Bill Belichick Cheerleading Competition (00:59:40) QuarterZips (01:08:41) Olivia Nuzzi (01:28:20) Congressman Pat Ryan (02:29:55) Darnell Washington (02:31:52) Lane Kiffin (02:36:08) PFT's Plane Corner & NFLYou can find every episode of this show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube. Prime Members can listen ad-free on Amazon Music. For more, visit barstool.link/macrodosing

Sometimes, your path leads you right back home. This week on No Set Path, Jordan Koschei joins Drew English to talk about how his journey through design and tech inspired him to give back to the Hudson Valley through his passion project, ConnectHV. It's a story about creativity, community, and coming full circle.Join the NewsletterJoin the No Set Path Newsletter HERE - https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/TakeawaysProfessional identity doesn't have to fit into neat categories - you can exist between disciplines and create your own pathStaying rooted in your community and building a life first, then fitting work around it, can lead to more fulfillment than chasing traditional career ambitionsRemote work and post-COVID shifts have created critical mass for creative communities in places like the Hudson ValleyBuilding platforms and communities is about being a temporary steward, not an owner - the goal is for the community to outlive and outgrow the creatorCreativity is fundamentally about play - as adults, we're just doing fancier versions of the same exploratory, world-building activities we did as childrenThe most sustainable creative work happens when you remove outcome-based thinking and create for the joy of making somethingTrue platforms enable others to create value that far exceeds what the platform itself generatesWork-life balance requires ruthless prioritization and automation - family first, then letting everything else fit around itCommunity building in the digital age still requires real-life interaction and grassroots connectionLinks & ResourcesConnectHV - https://connecthv.comConnectHV About Page - https://connecthv.com/aboutTracks Coffee (Beacon, NY) - "No Sleep Till Beacon"Monkey Joe Coffee (Kingston, NY)Connect with DrewDrew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

Dennis is joined via Zoom from Manhattan by Brian Schaefer to talk about his wonderful debut novel Town & Country. The book is about a congressional election in a small rural town called Griffin between Chip Riley, a conservative bar owner who's lived in Griffin for decades, and Paul Sands, a young ambitious liberal gay man who bought a house in Griffin with his rich husband about a year earlier. Brian talks about taking inspiration from the Hudson Valley town where he and his husband have had a second home for 12 years, the long road to getting the book published and how it feels to finally have it out there. Brian also talks about why it was important to him to explore the themes of addiction, marriage equality and economic hardship in the book, the 2-person book club he's in with his mother and how it impacted Town & Country and Dennis has him read a scene from the book involving the 19 year-old recently out local boy Will, a gaggle of rich, sexy city gays and a borrowed turquoise Speedo. Other topics include: Brian's appreciation for dance, the years he lived, worked and studied in Tel Aviv, Israel and the moment in the book that made Dennis cry.

Live from Hudson, NY, it's an author Q&A with Brian Shaefer and his debut novel Town & Country. Recorded in front of a live audience at Spark of Hudson, Mat moderates a conversation about character, plot, and the worlds of weekender and local coming together.  The story follows a congressional race set in a fictional town of Griffin, inspired by the Hudson Valley. “Duffles” is Brian's word for cidiots. One lesson which I really appreciated is the importance for all of us in a community, as Brian says, in just “showing up.”  We also play the Cidiot® Geography Game with instinctive reactions to a list of towns across the Hudson Valley. Be sure to get your copy at your local bookstore, via his author page, or through the Cidiot bookstore on Bookshop dot org.Places Mentioned:Hill Rock Distillery, Ancram Rogers Book Barn, Hillsdale Hillsdale General Store, Hillsdale Books & Cake, Hillsdale Zinnia's Dinette, Craryville Random Harvest Market, Craryville Spotty Dogs Books & Ale, Hudson Spark of Hudson, Hudson Rough Draft Bar & Books, Kingston Merritt Bookstore, Millbrook Harney & Sons, Millerton Phoenicia Diner, Phoenicia Cinnamon, Rhinebeck Diamond Mills Resort, Saugerties Camp Catskill, Tannersville  About Brian Shaefer:Brian contributes regularly to The New York Times and has written for The New Yorker, New York magazine, and more. He is a recipient of a National Endowment for the Arts Fellowship in Arts Journalism and was a finalist for the Livingston Award for International Reporting. He earned his master's degree in creative writing from Bar-Ilan University in Tel Aviv. He and his husband live in New York City and the Hudson Valley. Town & Country is his first novel.Early praise for Town & Country:“A big-hearted and true debut novel set in a small rural town amid a congressional race that forces the candidates, their families, and a clique of gay second homeowners to confront lies, betrayals and shifting allegiances. —Andrew Sean Greer, Pulitzer Price winner“Rich in sex and social intrigue.” —The New York TimesThanks for listening to Cidiot®, the award-winning podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley. Sign up for the newsletter at Cidiot.com and please rate and review the show here or in the Apple Podcasts store. Come visit. Photo credit: Stephen MackThis episode's guest editor is Julian Blackmore.  ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

In this chilling episode of Bigfoot Society, host Jeremiah Byron opens the voicemail vault and shares real, unfiltered calls from people across the United States who've come face-to-face with the impossible. From Northwest Ohio's oak openings to Florida's pine forests, New York's Hudson Valley, Idaho's backcountry, and beyond—these firsthand encounters will leave you questioning what really lives in the woods.Hear the raw emotion in every voice as witnesses recount moments of fear, awe, and disbelief. Whether it's Bigfoot, Dogman, or something stranger, these stories remind us that truth is often hiding just beyond the tree line.

Juan Saliba joins the podcast before he shoots his debut short film, The Midnight Screening. He talks about his life, filmmaking journey and the process leading up to his short. As of this release, principal photography has wrapped. Look for it at film festivals in 2026/2027! Follow instagram.com/thchosenjuan instagram.com/themidnightscreeningshortfilm Upcoming Shows 11.19.25 | Pearl River, NY | Jordan Fried at Uncle Tommy's Tavern | 7 PM | Free 12.5.25 | Carlstadt, NJ | Junk Mail Improv Holiday Spectacular at Bolero Snort | 8 PM 12.7.25 | New York, NY | Jordan Fried at The Comedy Shop | 2 PM 12.20.25 | Bergenfield, NJ | Jordan Fried at Tommy Fox's Sessions With Mary Jane is a Cannabis infused podcast hosted by stoner comedian and filmmaker, Jordan Fried.  It features interviews from musicians, filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers and business owners along with solo concept episodes.  While all guests do not necessarily partake, the one requirement is that they are pretty chill, man.  Listen for untold stories, how to guides, deeper dives and expanded curiosities. Your source for all things New Jersey, Hudson Valley and NYC.  New Episodes every Wednesday with exclusive bonus content. An LNH Studios podcast on the Gotham Network. Produced by the Gotham Network. LNH Studios is a comedy and video production company based out of Rutherford, New Jersey. It is comprised of the comedy trio Late Night Hump, consisting of Reena Ezra, Jordan Fried, and Brendan O'Brien.LNH Studios focuses on producing: • Podcasts • Films • Comedy shows and series (including sketch comedy, improv, stand-up, musical improv, and variety shows) They also offer classes and workshops related to comedy and production, and their services extend to recording audio and video, and scriptwriting.  You can find more information and contact them through their website, lnhstudios.com, or by phone at +1 845-545-0284.⁠ Jordan Fried⁠ (⁠https://jordanfried.myportfolio.com/⁠) is a SAG AFTRA comedian and filmmaker from Warwick, NY currently based in Rutherford, NJ. His debut comedy special and album, When The Edible Hits, is out on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, X, Facebook and Vinyl.  He is the co-director, co-writer and star of Beware The Horn, a film about a film school graduate that stumbles upon an improv troupe that he thinks is a cult.  He also appeared as the Young Peter Madoff in Madoff : Monster of Wall Street. He studied Digital Media Production and English at Tulane University, where he was a member of Cat Mafia Comedy. He's performed at Rhino Comedy, Eastville Comedy Club, Hell Yes Fest, Binghamton Comedy and Arts Festival, New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival and Northern Virginia Comedy Festival. He produced the comedy variety show, Circuit Break; Late Night Hump at NJ Weedman's Joint; and he is a founding member of the improv troupes, Duly Noted and The Mutts.  He taught media, podcasting and comedy classes for Montclair Film, Blue Sky Kids and Educate The Block.  He recently worked as the operations manager at The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ.

In this episode of the Uploft Interior Design Podcast, I had the pleasure of chatting with Lorna Kleidman, a remarkable client and world champion in kettlebell sport. Lorna shared her inspiring journey of starting a new career in her 40s and how she has excelled in it, all while navigating multiple home transformations with my design firm, Affordable Interior Design. We discussed her experiences moving from a city apartment to a beautiful home in the Hudson Valley, emphasizing the importance of reusing cherished pieces to create a familiar and personal space. Lorna's insights on quick decision-making and the challenges of sourcing artwork added depth to our conversation, making it a truly engaging episode that I hope you enjoy as much as I did! Timestamps:00:01:04 - Meet Lorna Kleidman: Athlete and Trainer00:08:53 - Transforming Spaces: The Design Process00:10:14 - The Importance of Reusing Furnishings00:16:11 - Lorna's New Office Space Transformation00:21:40 - Favorite Aspects of Working with a Designer00:27:03 - Final Thoughts on the Design Process00:30:01 - Where to Find Lorna Kleidman Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Uploft.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠AffordableInteriorDesign.com⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Submit your design questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to be featured on the show ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Become a Premium Member⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and access the bonus episodes Click ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to become an interior designer with Uploft's Interior Design Academy. Get Betsy's book: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠betsyhelmuth.com/book⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠For more about our residential interior design services, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ModernInteriorDesign.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ For our commercial interior design services, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠OfficeInteriorDesign.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow Us: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@uploftinteriordesign⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠facebook.com/UploftIntDes⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@uploftinteriordesign⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn: ⁠⁠linkedin.com/company/uploft-interior-design⁠⁠ If you enjoy the show, please spread the word and leave a review on iTunes! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this heartfelt episode, host Christine Eck welcomes Jessica—Ayurvedic health counselor, yoga teacher, fiber artist, and mother—to uncover the hidden power of knitting and fiber arts as therapeutic tools for parents, especially during the postpartum window. Through personal stories and expert insights, Christine and Jessica discuss:The healing and grounding influence of creative handworkHow knitting bridges mindfulness, accomplishment, and mental healthAyurvedic perspectives on balancing Vata, Pitta, and Kapha through fiber artsBuilding inclusive, supportive communities for new parentsPractical tips for starting your own fiber arts journey—wherever you areThis episode is a gentle invitation to return to your creative roots, connect with others, and find balance in the beautiful chaos of parenthood. Whether you're a seasoned knitter or just fiber-curious, join us for encouragement, wisdom, and inspiration to weave healing into daily life.About Jessica:Jessica is an Ayurvedic health counselor, a yoga instructor, a fiber artist, and a mom to two daughters. She is a current student of Ayurvedic postpartum care. Jessica lives and practices in Hudson Valley, New York.Are you feeling the call to know more about Conscious Postpartum Care?Learn about our programs at ⁠⁠www.sacredwindowstudies.com⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram at @‌sacredwindowstudiesFacebook at @‌AyurvedaForPostpartumJoin our ⁠⁠Facebook Group⁠⁠Reach out! ⁠⁠Schedule a time with Christine⁠⁠ to find out if our programs are a good fit for you!Here is the ⁠⁠link⁠⁠ to out free class

Reclaim your cognitive sovereignty by harnessing precision frequency medicine to counteract digital overload. This breakthrough Restorative Audio combines ancestral sound wisdom with cutting-edge neuroscience research, featuring the natural Hudson Valley fall soundscape—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the gentle babbling of a brook, and the uplifting chorus of birdsong—enhanced with 40 Hz binaural frequencies and ASMR-inspired auditory patterns to measurably restore your overwhelmed neural networks.The ScienceChronic overstimulation from digital demands suppresses the parasympathetic nervous system while hyperactivating stress centers in the brain. Exposure to natural soundscapes mixed with therapeutic frequencies reverses these effects by promoting relaxation and cognitive renewal. ASMR triggers alpha and theta brainwaves linked with deep relaxation and mental clarity, reducing heart rate and cortisol. The inclusion of 40 Hz binaural beats—aligned with gamma oscillations—enhances memory, attention, and emotional regulation, synchronizing neural networks for improved brain function.Real-World BenefitsReduces cortisol levels and restores autonomic nervous system balanceEnhances cognitive flexibility and creative problem solvingPromotes deep focus without tension via alpha-theta entrainmentDecreases perceived stress and mental fatigueSupports emotional regulation, relaxes the nervous system, and improves sleep qualityAmplifies neuroplasticity and cellular repair pathwaysUsage GuideFrequency: Daily 15–20 minute sessions for optimal neurological recalibrationEquipment: Quality headphones recommended for precise binaural delivery and immersive soundscape experienceEnvironment: Quiet, low-EMF settings enhance therapeutic efficacyBest Results: Consistent practice over 4–6 weeks encourages lasting cognitive and epigenetic benefitsHydration: Increase water intake to improve cellular conductivity and frequency responsivenessSend us a textSupport the show

Reclaim your cognitive sovereignty by harnessing precision frequency medicine to counteract digital overload. This breakthrough Restorative Audio combines ancestral sound wisdom with cutting-edge neuroscience research, featuring the natural Hudson Valley fall soundscape—the crunch of leaves underfoot, the gentle babbling of a brook, and the uplifting chorus of birdsong—enhanced with 40 Hz binaural frequencies and ASMR-inspired auditory patterns to measurably restore your overwhelmed neural networks.The ScienceChronic overstimulation from digital demands suppresses the parasympathetic nervous system while hyperactivating stress centers in the brain. Exposure to natural soundscapes mixed with therapeutic frequencies reverses these effects by promoting relaxation and cognitive renewal. ASMR triggers alpha and theta brainwaves linked with deep relaxation and mental clarity, reducing heart rate and cortisol. The inclusion of 40 Hz binaural beats—aligned with gamma oscillations—enhances memory, attention, and emotional regulation, synchronizing neural networks for improved brain function.Real-World BenefitsReduces cortisol levels and restores autonomic nervous system balanceEnhances cognitive flexibility and creative problem solvingPromotes deep focus without tension via alpha-theta entrainmentDecreases perceived stress and mental fatigueSupports emotional regulation, relaxes the nervous system, and improves sleep qualityAmplifies neuroplasticity and cellular repair pathwaysUsage GuideFrequency: Daily 15–20 minute sessions for optimal neurological recalibrationEquipment: Quality headphones recommended for precise binaural delivery and immersive soundscape experienceEnvironment: Quiet, low-EMF settings enhance therapeutic efficacyBest Results: Consistent practice over 4–6 weeks encourages lasting cognitive and epigenetic benefitsHydration: Increase water intake to improve cellular conductivity and frequency responsivenessSend us a textSupport the show

The Westfair Communications 2025 Doctors of Distinction Awards, held on November 13th at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY, celebrated an outstanding group of physicians whose expertise and dedication help elevate the standard of healthcare across the region. This annual event recognizes medical professionals whose leadership, innovation, and compassion ensure that care in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, as well as the Hudson Valley, consistently meets the highest expectations. Adding to the evening's coverage, Westchester Talk Radio was on-site, where host Joan Franzino spoke with award winner Dr. Bonnie Litvack, Director of Women's Imaging at Northern Westchester Hospital–Northwell Health, capturing her reflections on this distinguished honor and the impactful work she continues to lead.

The Westfair Communications 2025 Doctors of Distinction Awards, held on November 13th at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY, honored an exceptional group of medical professionals whose dedication and expertise continue to raise the standard of healthcare across the region. This annual celebration recognizes physicians whose leadership, innovation, and compassion help ensure that care in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, as well as the Hudson Valley, consistently meets the highest standards. Westchester Talk Radio was on-site to cover the event, where host Joan Franzino spoke with Anthony Davidson, Dean of the School of Professional and Continuing Studies at Fordham University, highlighting his perspectives on the awards and the importance of supporting excellence in the medical community.

The Westfair Communications 2025 Doctors of Distinction Awards, held on November 13th at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY, celebrated a remarkable group of physicians whose commitment and skill continue to elevate the standard of healthcare throughout the region. This annual event honors medical professionals whose leadership, compassion, and innovation help ensure that care in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, as well as the Hudson Valley, consistently meets the highest standards. Adding to the evening's coverage, Westchester Talk Radio was on-site, where host Joan Franzino spoke with award winner Dr. JK Rasamny, head and neck surgeon at White Plains Hospital, capturing his insights and reflections on receiving this distinguished recognition.

The Westfair Communications 2025 Doctors of Distinction Awards, held on November 13th at New York Medical College in Valhalla, NY, brought together an extraordinary group of medical professionals whose commitment continues to advance the quality of healthcare throughout the region. This annual celebration recognizes physicians whose expertise, compassion, and leadership help ensure that care in Westchester and Fairfield Counties, as well as the Hudson Valley, consistently meets the highest standards. Adding to the evening's coverage, Westchester Talk Radio was on-site, where host Andrew Castellano spoke with award winner Dr. Lee Marcus, Medical Director of Impact Health NY, capturing his insights on receiving this distinguished honor and the meaningful work that drives his mission.

Send us a textPete Mason, publisher of NYS Music, joins hosts David C. Gross and Tomaso Semioli to discuss why Hudson Valley and the state of New York is the place to be - and visit - for music, arts, and culture. In a New York State of Mind with Pete Mason Playlist

This episode covers the second part of our interview with the four authors of the field guide “From the Hudson to the Taconics”, which is an ecological and cultural field guide to the habitats of Columbia County. The authors of this in-depth study of thirty two habitats are Conrad Vispo, Claudia Knab-Vispo, Anna Duhon and Gretchen Stevens. Jean Thomas and Tim Kennelty both remark on the quality of the preface of the book, saying it reads like a novel because it incorporates the culture and ecology missions so clearly. Each author has deep personal connections to the county, developed over decades of studying its flora and fauna, and want to share their appreciation for the habitats. Conrad calls it “hallowed ground” made so by personal connections to a site. When pressed, each author described their own favorite among the habitats listed in the guide, with the caveat that favorite status may change from day to day. They mentioned the “Ancient Forest”, a concept different from the more familiar phrase “Old Forest”. The ancient forest is an area that has somehow escaped being entirely decimated, retaining an uninterrupted native community. Swamp Forest. Bog Lakes and Exposed Rock Outcrops are also favorites among the writers. The description of Rock Outcrop habitat inspired a side trip to marvel at the behaviors of butterflies and the practice of some varieties to congregate in “hill topping.” The conversation then returned to various habitats, especially the “bonus” habitat of the Hudson River. It is a counterpoint to the terrestrial habitats, and unique even among rivers in its freshwater/saltwater habitats. This section is a reminder that everything we do on land affects and is affected by the river that flanks one entire side of the county. Most of the county, in fact, is a watershed into the Hudson, which has had a huge impact on the county historically as a commercial highway. There are other “bonus” habitats in the volume. “Ghost Habitats” take a keen eye. One is the remnant of the chestnut forest that once dominated the landscape, and another is traces of sand barrens, similar to the more familiar Pine Bush of Albany County. These ghost habitats can be thought provoking as we consider what we have now that might become ghost habitats and how we might need to react to threats. The conversation swings back to the larger picture of the goal of the guide. The goal of reaching the maximum number of users is facilitated by having multiple “entry points” for various audiences, hopefully becoming a tool for those using and stewarding the land, with a deeper sense of connection. Availability is widespread. Most libraries through the Hudson Valley already carry copies, and it can be easily purchased through the publisher, Black Dome Press, as well as Barnes & Noble and any Independent booksellers. The episode concludes with our traditional “Hope” question, and the responses are all upbeat, culminating with the observation that there seems to be an increased interest among the younger generations. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas Guests: Anna Duhon, Gretchen Stevens, Claudia Knab-Vispo, and Conrad Vispo Photo by: Teresa Golden Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

The Valley Girls chat with Matt Bryant, owner of Bryant Home Improvement, about how to make sure your home can weather the winter (hint: clean your gutters NOW); how to find and source reliable home repair professionals and tradespeople; and how not to be a nightmare client for your contractor. A huge thank you to Matt and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bryant Home Improvement⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for sponsoring Season 4 of the podcast! With over 20 years of experience in luxury home building, Bryant Home Improvement is dedicated to ensuring quality and efficiency in every project and bringing value to your home - right here in the Hudson Valley.Thanks for listening! To help support the Valley Girls, please follow our podcast from our show page, leave a rating and review, and please spread the word and share our podcast with others. We really appreciate your support!To stay up to date and for more content you can find us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠valleygirlspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ValleyGirlsPodNY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/@ValleyGirlsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and also check out the Newsletter and Pod Squad tab on our website to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠so you never miss a thing! All links can also be found in our Instagram bio.Episode music by Robert Burke Warren entitled Painting a Vast Blue Sky can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠robertburkewarren.bandcamp.com/track/painting-a-vast-blue-sky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

So. California based multi-talented singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak talks about his latest release “Yorick” featuring the title track, “The Watcher”, “You're Next ”, “Where Do I Belong”, “A.L.T.O.W.D.” plus his previous releases “Call Me Ishmael”, “I Ain't Ever Growing Up (Vol. 1&2 )”, “Christmastime in Hollywood” and more! Tom began his career growing up in Hudson Valley, NY where his father is a professional musician at West Point Military Academy and learned from his parents, later attended SUNY-Oswego and moved to the west coast working in specialty lighting while raising a family, attended Steve Earle's Camp Copperhead to continue his career and put together with 5 other songwriters “Muscle Shoals Record Shop” and performed in many venues throughout Southern California plus shares the stories behind the music! Check out the amazing Tom Ciurczak and latest release on all major platforms and www.tomciurczak.com today! #tomciurczak #singersongwriter #southerncalifornia #hudsonvalley #yorick #thewatcher #yourenext #wheredoibelong #ALTOWD #callmeishmael #iaintevergroingup #steveearle #campcopperhead #muscleshoalsrecordshop #spreaker #iheartradio #spotify #applemusic #youtube #anchorfm #bitchute #rumble #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagnertomciurczak  #themikewagnershowtomciurczak

So. California based multi-talented singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak talks about his latest release “Yorick” featuring the title track, “The Watcher”, “You're Next ”, “Where Do I Belong”, “A.L.T.O.W.D.” plus his previous releases “Call Me Ishmael”, “I Ain't Ever Growing Up (Vol. 1&2 )”, “Christmastime in Hollywood” and more! Tom began his career growing up in Hudson Valley, NY where his father is a professional musician at West Point Military Academy and learned from his parents, later attended SUNY-Oswego and moved to the west coast working in specialty lighting while raising a family, attended Steve Earle's Camp Copperhead to continue his career and put together with 5 other songwriters “Muscle Shoals Record Shop” and performed in many venues throughout Southern California plus shares the stories behind the music! Check out the amazing Tom Ciurczak and latest release on all major platforms and www.tomciurczak.com today! #tomciurczak #singersongwriter #southerncalifornia #hudsonvalley #yorick #thewatcher #yourenext #wheredoibelong #ALTOWD #callmeishmael #iaintevergroingup #steveearle #campcopperhead #muscleshoalsrecordshop #spreaker #iheartradio #spotify #applemusic #youtube #anchorfm #bitchute #rumble #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagnertomciurczak  #themikewagnershowtomciurczak

So. California based multi-talented singer/songwriter Tom Ciurczak talks about his latest release “Yorick” featuring the title track, “The Watcher”, “You're Next ”, “Where Do I Belong”, “A.L.T.O.W.D.” plus his previous releases “Call Me Ishmael”, “I Ain't Ever Growing Up (Vol. 1&2 )”, “Christmastime in Hollywood” and more! Tom began his career growing up in Hudson Valley, NY where his father is a professional musician at West Point Military Academy and learned from his parents, later attended SUNY-Oswego and moved to the west coast working in specialty lighting while raising a family, attended Steve Earle's Camp Copperhead to continue his career and put together with 5 other songwriters “Muscle Shoals Record Shop” and performed in many venues throughout Southern California plus shares the stories behind the music! Check out the amazing Tom Ciurczak and latest release on all major platforms and www.tomciurczak.com today! #tomciurczak #singersongwriter #southerncalifornia #hudsonvalley #yorick #thewatcher #yourenext #wheredoibelong #ALTOWD #callmeishmael #iaintevergroingup #steveearle #campcopperhead #muscleshoalsrecordshop #spreaker #iheartradio #spotify #applemusic #youtube #anchorfm #bitchute #rumble #mikewagner #themikewagnershow #mikewagnertomciurczak  #themikewagnershowtomciurczakBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-mike-wagner-show--3140147/support.

Meet Patrick, owner of Lily's Natural Pet Store, which just opened its second location after Poughkeepsie in Hudson. We talk dogs—a favorite subject—and why he chose Hudson, why not on Warren Street for his second location, why it's not your average pet store, about running a pet business (I was thinking of doing one!), and tackle my burning questions such as the smell of bully sticks and what's so great about raw. And like on many other Cidiot® episodes, we end with favorite places in the Hudson Valley… to take dogs. Lily's Natural Pet Store — 76 N 7th Street, Hudson, NY 12534“Soft opening” in November (check hours). Grand opening Friday, December 5, 2025. Tell ‘em Cidiot sent ya!Other places and businesses mentioned:Red Wing Park, East FishkillPause Dog Boutique, RhinebeckGuest editor: Drew English of Upstate Podcast StudioThanks for listening to Cidiot®, the award-winning podcast about moving to the Hudson Valley. Sign up for the newsletter at Cidiot.com and please rate and review the show here or in the Apple Podcasts store. Come visit. ©2025 Mat Zucker Communications. Cidiot® is a Registered Trademark.

This week we have Aleko Giatrakis of Junk Mail Improv! He talks about his life as a visual artist, getting into comedy and live between the Hudson Valley and NYC. Follow him at instagram.com/alekogia and see him this Saturday at The Montclair Comedy Festival 11.15.25 at 5 PM at The DiRasa House for Diversified Arts and 12.5.25 at Bolero Snort Brewery at 8 PM. Upcoming Shows 11.15.25 | Montclair, NJ | Junk Mail Improv at The Montclair Comedy Festival | https://www.eventbrite.com/e/montclair-comedy-festival-bits-pieces-improv-showcase-tickets-181117418373911.18.25 | New York, NY | Jordan Fried at St. Marks Comedy Club | 9:30 PM https://www.tixr.com/groups/stmarkscomedyclub/events/very-good-comedy-show-164306 12.5.25 | Carlstadt, NJ | Junk Mail Improv at Bolero Snort | 8 PM | lnhstudios.com/shows/bolerosnortdecember5 12.6.25 | Port Jervis, NY | Jordan Fried in Port Jervis | https://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/6731703 | 6 PM & 8 PM12.7.25 | New York, NY | Jordan Fried at The Comedy Shop | 2 PM Sessions With Mary Jane is a Cannabis infused podcast hosted by stoner comedian and filmmaker, Jordan Fried.  It features interviews from musicians, filmmakers, comedians, politicians, writers and business owners along with solo concept episodes.  While all guests do not necessarily partake, the one requirement is that they are pretty chill, man.  Listen for untold stories, how to guides, deeper dives and expanded curiosities. Your source for all things New Jersey, Hudson Valley and NYC.  New Episodes every Wednesday with exclusive bonus content. An LNH Studios podcast on the Gotham Network. Produced by the Gotham Network. LNH Studios is a comedy and video production company based out of Rutherford, New Jersey. It is comprised of the comedy trio Late Night Hump, consisting of Reena Ezra, Jordan Fried, and Brendan O'Brien.LNH Studios focuses on producing: • Podcasts • Films • Comedy shows and series (including sketch comedy, improv, stand-up, musical improv, and variety shows) They also offer classes and workshops related to comedy and production, and their services extend to recording audio and video, and scriptwriting.  You can find more information and contact them through their website, lnhstudios.com, or by phone at +1 845-545-0284.⁠ Jordan Fried⁠ (⁠https://jordanfried.myportfolio.com/⁠) is a SAG AFTRA comedian and filmmaker from Warwick, NY currently based in Rutherford, NJ. His debut comedy special and album, When The Edible Hits, is out on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, X, Facebook and Vinyl.  He is the co-director, co-writer and star of Beware The Horn, a film about a film school graduate that stumbles upon an improv troupe that he thinks is a cult.  He also appeared as the Young Peter Madoff in Madoff : Monster of Wall Street. He studied Digital Media Production and English at Tulane University, where he was a member of Cat Mafia Comedy. He's performed at Rhino Comedy, Eastville Comedy Club, Hell Yes Fest, Binghamton Comedy and Arts Festival, New Orleans Comedy and Arts Festival and Northern Virginia Comedy Festival. He produced the comedy variety show, Circuit Break; Late Night Hump at NJ Weedman's Joint; and he is a founding member of the improv troupes, Duly Noted and The Mutts.  He taught media, podcasting and comedy classes for Montclair Film, Blue Sky Kids and Educate The Block.  He recently worked as the operations manager at The Williams Center in Rutherford, NJ.

You know how Vikings are often associated with Scandinavia and their epic journeys across the seas? Well, turns out, there's a lesser-known Viking connection right in New York City! Back in the 9th century, Norse explorers are believed to have landed in the area we now call New York, long before Columbus or any other Europeans. Archaeological finds like a Norse coin and a runic stone in the Hudson Valley provide tantalizing clues. So, while we typically think of skyscrapers and subways when we think of New York, it's pretty cool to imagine Vikings roaming those same streets over a thousand years ago! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Jason Blitman talks to award-winning Irish writer Gráinne O'Hare about her debut novel, Thirst Trap. Conversation highlights include:❤️‍

On this episode of the Council of Industry Podcast, we are honored to speak with Dr. Allison Buckley, President of SUNY Ulster. Dr. Buckley takes us through her remarkable and inspiring journey—from growing up outside Philadelphia and studying labor history to becoming a dedicated educator and eventually stepping into the leadership role of a community college president in the beautiful Hudson Valley.Dr. Buckley reflects on the challenges and opportunities she faced along the way, including shifting career paths and the process of finding her true passion in higher education. She emphasizes the unique mission of community colleges to provide accessible, affordable, and flexible education options that meet students where they are—whether they are first-generation learners, working adults, or those uncertain about their future direction.During the conversation, we delve into how SUNY Ulster is adapting to meet the needs of today's diverse student population by offering pathways that integrate with their lives and goals. Dr. Buckley discusses innovative programs like SUNY Reconnect, workforce training initiatives, and the growing presence of women in manufacturing careers. She also explores how community colleges serve as vital partners to regional industries by providing relevant training and support that fosters economic growth and opportunity.Whether you are a student considering your educational options, an employer looking to engage with local talent, or simply interested in the evolving role of community colleges in today's world, Dr. Buckley's insights shed light on the power of education to transform individuals and communities alike.For more information about SUNY Ulster, visit https://www.sunyulster.edu/--The Council of Industry has been the manufacturer's association of the Hudson Valley since 1910. We are a privately funded not-for-profit organization, whose mission is to promote the success of our member firms and their employees, and through them contribute to the success of the Hudson Valley Community. For more information about the Council of Industry visit our website at councilofindustry.org.

The award-winning documentary “Locker Room Talk” from Kingston's TMI Project was produced in partnership with the nationally acclaimed organization A Call to Men.On November 9, they will be hosting their first Hudson Valley screening at the Kingston High School, where the film began.

In this episode, Master Gardeners Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas sit down with all four authors of the most comprehensive field guide available of a single county in New York State: From the Hudson to the Taconics”An Ecological and Cultural Field Guide to the Habitats of Columbia County by Anna Duhon, Gretchen Stevens, Claudia Knab-Vispo, and Conrad Vispo for the HAWTHORNE VALLEY FARMSCAPE. This conversation is in two parts because of, not only the number of participants in the interview, but the size of the topic. The interview begins with an introduction to the organizations responsible for making such an effort possible. The Hawthorne Valley Association is the overriding organization, and supports the Farmscape Ecology Program. Hudsonia is the other organization participating in the production of the guide. Hudsonia is a non-advocacy group focusing on data collection and guidance to local governments and advocates in land use decisions. The authors are:  Conrad Vispo, wildlife ecologist with 21 years of experience at Hawthorne Valley with the goal of exploring and sharing research results;  Claudia Knab-Vispo, Botanist studying plants/animals/people interactions for the last twenty years, especially wild plants and how they grow and interact;  Anna Duhon, since 2009 specializing in cultural research and outreach, weaving ecology and culture; and  Gretchen Stevens, Emerita from Hudsonia, thirty five years in the Hudson Valley, specializing in biodiversity assessment in the Hudson Valley.  The guide is informed by decades of original research and enables readers to get to know 36 distinct habitats including:  Information on how to identify and distinguish each habitat in the landscape  Maps of public areas where habitats can be experience  What to look for, including lists of associated wild plants and animals  Stewardship ideas and considerations  Habitat history in the context of human history  Perspective from people interacting with the habitats Interactive suggestions for engaging with different habitats  When asked why and how they were able to assemble such vast amounts of data, Conrad explained that it was the way they found to communicate informed compassion for the natural world. They devised the concept of habitat descriptions to best express the sense of place, describing the specific geography clearly while remaining aesthetically pleasing. Interestingly, the scope included agricultural habitats and suburban ecology as well as “wild” places. The volume of historic data collection in Columbia County is staggering, dating back as far as the early 1800s, and continuing to the present. The researchers talked to hunters and farmers, foragers and conservationists, and even children in their quest to reference all types of people using the land. Their idea was that the more users were consulted, the wider the audience for the field guide. People with different perspectives who used the land differently could all use the guidebook successfully. The goal was to raise awareness of differing habitats and connect with each. The layout of the book is divided into thirty two habitats, each describing the plant and animal life, interrelations between the organisms, then bringing in the history of its land uses and discussion of possible future use. There is often a perspective from the people who actually make use of the habitat, and each section closes with an interactive suggestion to invite reader participation. Tim was curious about the value of the guide in other New York counties and whether it was transferable. The immediate answer is that while features of some habitats are universal, it's better to take the information as a suggestion in another region. While many things are the same, the type of habitat can often be blended in another site. The idea of the guide is to be able to study as deeply or casually as one chooses. It is meant to be a tool used as the user wishes. Hosts: Tim Kennelty and Jean Thomas  Guests: Anna Duhon, Gretchen Stevens, Claudia Knab-Vispo, and Conrad Vispo  Photo by: Teresa Golden. Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Tim Kennelty, Amy Meadow, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas  Resources

The filmmaker Heidi Levitt returns to the podcast for her 2nd visit. She was on last October when her documentary "Walk With Me" was about to have its Hudson Valley premiere at the 2024 Woodstock Film Festival. Over four years of filming with Heidi as director and care partner, they crisscross the country, redefining how life will be lived to its fullest. Charlie's charm, warmth, and appeal take center stage, illuminating a story of love and a reminder that life is really about our relationships. "Walk With Me" is currently enjoying a theatrical run at the Laemmle Monica Film Center in Los Angeles. It will also be having a theatrical at the Cinema Village in NYC beginning November 20th.

In this special presentation of Hudson Mohawk Magazine, Blaise Bryant brings us a two-part conversation about accessible voting for people with disabilities. First Cliff Perez from the Independent Living Center of the Hudson Valley in Troy discusses the history behind the Help America Vote Act, his experiences as a disabled voter, and what he sees for the future. Then we hear from Keith Gurgui with the Resource Center for Accessible Living in Kingston who shares his voting experiences and his perspectives on the future of accessible voting.

It's day 34 of the government shutdown which is posed to be the longest ever as Republicans and Democrats appear to be at an impasse. President Trump has called for the "nuclear option," ending the filibuster which requires 60 votes to reopen the government. On the eve of the 2025 elections, Jim McLaughlin is here to give expert insight into tomorrow's elections. In Virginia, Abigail Spanberger is leading Winsome Earle-Sears for the Governor's race, even getting an endorsement from the NAACP. Jason Miyares has had the lead for Attorney General against Jay Jones since early October. Jay Jones is still in the race even after text messages revealed a dark, demented fantasy about him wanting to kill his political opponents and their family. In New Jersey, Jack Ciattarelli is in a neck and neck race with Mikie Sherrill, McLaughlin says New Jersey is ready for change and most people are worried about affordability. Ciattarelli has picked up support in counties President Trump did well, as well as seeing support from black voters. In New York City, while Zohran Mamdani shows a significant lead in polling, the candidates are so untraditional this race is much closer than people think. New Yorkers have to choose between a radical Socialist Zohran Mamdani and a scandal plagued independent Andrew Cuomo. Curtis Sliwa does not have the support of Trump voters which has really hindered his campaign. McLaughlin thinks this race will be close as Mamdani has a 67% unfavorability rating in Long Island and the Hudson Valley. Featuring: Jim McLaughlin President & Partner | McLaughlin & Associates https://mclaughlinonline.com/ Today's show is sponsored by: Boll & Branch The key to wellness starts with a good night's sleep. Making your night's sleep better starts with quality sheets. Boll & Branch sheets start unbelievably soft and get softer over time. Boll & Branch sheets are made with the finest 100% organic cotton in a soft, breathable, durable weave. If you're looking for sheets that last, feel amazing, and help you sleep better, Boll & Branch is where it's at. Feel the difference an extraordinary night's sleep can make with Boll & Branch. Just head to https://www.bollandbranch.com/SPICER for 25% OFF and FREE SHIPPING. Delta Rescue Delta Rescue is one the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries. Leo Grillo is on a mission to help all abandoned, malnourished, hurt or suffering animals. He relies solely on contributions from people like you and me. If you want to help Leo to continue his mission of running one of the best care-for-life animal sanctuaries in the country please visit Delta Rescue at: https://deltarescue.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1️⃣ Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 2️⃣ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ 3️⃣ Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ 4️⃣ Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ 5️⃣ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today, we're doing the second episode in our new series: How to Disagree.A reminder: these episodes feature coaching sessions and real-life disagreements. Our goal is to equip everyone with the skills (and some inspiration) to more productively disagree. On to the episode…You know that feeling when you walk into a room and realize someone's talking about you? Imagine that on steroids: you tune into a Substack Live to learn your friend is talking about your disagreement in front of an audience! That's exactly the set up for today's episode, a follow-up to How to Disagree about Gender with a Close Friend (Part I). In Part II, we get to hear from Larissa Phillips' friend, “Jane,” and see them bring Bob Bordone's coaching to life as they navigate their disagreement and a new chapter in their friendship.The Questions:Is it possible to remain close friends after growing apart ideologically?How can you remain curious when you strongly disagree?Are there some topics we should avoid entirely as friends? Is gender one of them? And how did it get this way?The GuestsLarissa Phillips is a columnist for The Free Press whose work focuses on finding community and fostering relationships as a Democrat living in the rural Hudson Valley. She is also the Director and Founder of the Volunteer Literacy Project, teaching basic literacy to adults. Christina Thyssen is a writer, story coach, and professor of writing and literature at the University at Albany. She is the co-founder of Hudson Valley Story Workshops and runs a story slam in Catskill, NY. Christina also teaches writing and storytelling to prisoners. A special thank you to Larissa and Christina for going on this journey with us. It took a tremendous amount of courage. And if you haven't already, check out Larissa's excellent article on her experience with us in The Free Press. Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at podcast@thedisagreement.com or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/

This episode of “Nature Calls, Conversations from the Hudson Valley” is a retrospective look at one of the early radio interviews from our precursor show, “Digging in With Master Gardeners,” aired on WGXC, 90.7 FM. Teresa and Jean interviewed Master Gardener Volunteer Kathryn Schneider about birds. Kathryn was introduced to the joys of birding by her mother who was a birdwatcher. She took it about as far as you can, since she now has a PhD in Ornithology and has written a guidebook called “Birding the Hudson Valley.” The purpose of the book was to allow people to understand their area and go birding. She started by covering the basics on bird identification and the recording of observations, where to find particular birds, and the importance of knowing the bird's biology. Learning about how birds feed and what they do helps guide successful birders. The second half of the book is a list of sites in the Hudson Valley where birdwatching is rewarding. Actually feeding birds is the second biggest hobby in the country. But we don't feed birds for ecology and the good of nature. We tend to feed them to amuse ourselves watching them. We can prevent getting bored by providing the correct food for the birds we want to watch, so a little research can improve the view. Planting your garden to draw birds is another way to enhance your enjoyment. In a nutshell, native plants are best, and the careful choice of trees can be helpful. Birds don't just eat seeds. They eat bugs, worms, caterpillars, berries and even nectar. Bird feeders are best used when the flowers are not blooming because birds will ignore feeders if they have more interesting things to eat. Winter is prime time because they can use the extra nutrition to keep warm. Late November to early April are safer months to put out feeders, especially if you have bears for neighbors. But keep in mind that they're not always sleeping when you think they should be in these times of climate change so adjust based on the weather. Bears don't tend to hibernate until they can no longer find food. After the first significant snowfall might be the safer bet to put out your feeders. Going down the list of pesky critters, we also have: squirrels. Baffles above and below the feeder can help to keep them away. Grackles, cowbirds and starlings usually travel around in flocks. Hawks and cats can also be problematic. Kathy says cats shouldn't be outside because they are killing millions of birds and have even made some of them extinct, while it should be remembered that hawks need to feed their babies, too. It's best to give blue jays their own feeder with peanuts in the shell to keep them distracted and away from your other feeders. Kathy then reviews the best ways to observe birds and how to identify them. Sibley and Peterson Guides are her favorite, and the Merlin phone app is an excellent resource. She also suggests you research the type of binoculars to use. Many will work fine, but many are just wrong. Once you've outgrown watching your feeder visitors, it's time to go to them. She suggests that you look for a local bird club and ask to go along on a walk. Figure what birds to expect there and look for them specifically. Bird clubs are relatively easy to find, including the Audubon Society, so join groups in your area. Guided bird walks are everywhere, including Cornell Cooperative Extension (CCE) sponsored ones, often led by Kathy herself. The conversation concludes with specific topics including the population biology for birds, the Christmas Bird Count, and specific discussions about robins, bluebirds, ravens and vultures. Hosts: Teresa Golden and Jean Thomas Guest: Kathryn Schneider, PhD. Photo: Jean Thomas Production Support: Linda Aydlett, Deven Connelly, Teresa Golden, Xandra Powers, Annie Scibienski, Jean Thomas Resources

The Valley Girls chat with Mark Gerlach, a Certified Hypnotherapist (CHt), about what hypnotherapy can and cannot do, (spoiler alert: it won't make you quack like a duck); whether we can hypnotize ourselves; and the possibilities of astral travel and past-life regression. A huge thank you to our Season 4 sponsor, ⁠⁠⁠Bryant Home Improvement⁠⁠⁠! With over 20 years of experience in luxury home building, Bryant Home Improvement is dedicated to ensuring quality and efficiency in every project and bringing value to your home - right here in the Hudson Valley.Thanks for listening! To help support the Valley Girls, please follow our podcast from our show page, leave a rating and review, and please spread the word and share our podcast with others. We really appreciate your support!To stay up to date and for more content you can find us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠valleygirlspodcast.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/ValleyGirlsPodNY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube.com/@ValleyGirlsPodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and also check out the Newsletter and Pod Squad tab on our website to sign up for our e-mail newsletter and join ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠our Facebook Group⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠so you never miss a thing! All links can also be found in our Instagram bio.Episode music by Robert Burke Warren entitled Painting a Vast Blue Sky can be found at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠robertburkewarren.bandcamp.com/track/painting-a-vast-blue-sky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Today, we're introducing the first episode in a new series: How to Disagree. As we expand our work to model and enable productive disagreement across lines of difference, we are trying something new with “How To Disagree.” Instead of bringing together experts to have a productive disagreement on social or political issues, we're delving into interpersonal disagreements.Episodes will feature coaching sessions with an individual struggling with a real-life disagreement (with a friend, family member or colleague) working with a world-class conflict resolution expert. Through these sessions, our guests will learn how to approach their particular rift, as well as more general skills and tools on how to more productively disagree. The first in this series is How to Disagree About Gender with a Close Friend, featuring Larissa Phillips. We actually recorded this session with Larissa live on Substack, and are very excited to share a produced version with you. Also, check out Larissa's excellent article on her experience with us in The Free Press.The Questions:How do we discuss politics with our friends when we don't see eye to eye?How do we engage one another without trying to persuade?How do we prepare for disagreements on hot button topics like gender?The GuestsLarissa Phillips is a columnist for The Free Press whose work focuses on finding community and fostering relationships as a Democrat living in the rural Hudson Valley. She is also the Director and Founder of the Volunteer Literacy Project, teaching basic literacy to adults. Bob Bordone is a senior fellow at Harvard Law School who has spent the last 25 years teaching negotiation and conflict resolution. He teaches negotiation to individuals and teams with a particular interest in addressing the United States' polarized climate. Bob recently wrote a book with a neuroscientist called Conflict Resilience: Negotiating Disagreement Without Giving Up or Giving In. Questions or comments about this episode? Email us at podcast@thedisagreement.com or find us on X and Instagram @thedisagreementhq. Subscribe to our newsletter: https://thedisagreement.substack.com/