Podcasts about Morrisville

Sometime ago I had the pleasure to have as a guest a gentleman named Rob Wentz. Rob appeared in episode 212 on March 8, 2024. Recently Rob introduced me to a man he described as amazing and definitely unstoppable. That introduction led to me having the opportunity to have today, Ken Kunken, the man Rob introduced me to. Ken's story is atypical to most. He had a pretty normal childhood until he went to Cornell. Rob was pretty short, but he loved all things sports and active. In his junior year he participated in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. On a kickoff he tackled an opponent but broke his neck in the process. Immediately he became a quadriplegic from the shoulders down. As he tells us, his days of physical activity and sports came to an abrupt end.   I asked Ken how he dealt with his injury. As he tells me, his family rallied around him and told him they were all there to help with whatever he needed to continue in school and to move on with his life. They were true to their word and Ken did continue to attend school after nine months of hospitalization. He secured a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering. He went on to get a Master's degree from Cornell in Industrial Engineering and then a second Master's degree this time from Columbia University in Psychology as he decided he really wanted to “help people especially those with serious disabilities” rather than continuing in the Civil Engineering arena. Ken then secured a job that led to him becoming a successful rehabilitation counselor in New York.   Ken wasn't done growing nor exploring. After two years working in the rehabilitation field through circumstances and advice from others, he went to Hofstra school of law where he obtained a Juris Doctor degree in 1982. He then went to work in the office of a district attorney where, over 40 years he progressed and grew in stature and rank.   Ken tells us how his life changed over time and through the many jobs and opportunities he decided to take. Twenty-two years ago, he married Anna. They ended up having triplet boys who now all are in school at the age of Twenty.   Ken is as unstoppable as it gets. He refused to back down from challenges. He is now retired and loving the opportunity to be with his family and help others by telling his story.     About the Guest:   In 1970, while a junior in Cornell University's College of Engineering, Ken Kunken broke his neck making a tackle on a kick-off in a lightweight football game against Columbia University. Ken sustained a spinal cord injury at the C 4-5 level, rendering him a quadriplegic, almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down. Ken spent more than 9 months in various hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. While still a patient, Ken testified before a United States Senate Sub-Committee on Health Care, chaired by Senator Edward Kennedy. In 1971, almost 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act, Ken returned to the Cornell campus, where he completed his undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering. Ken estimates that he had to be pulled up or bounced down close to 100 steps just to attend his first day of classes.   Ken is the first quadriplegic to graduate from Cornell University. Upon graduation, Ken decided to change his career goal. He wanted to work with and help people, particularly those with disabilities. Ken went on to earn a Master of Arts degree at Cornell in education and a Master of Education degree at Columbia University in psychology. Ken is the first quadriplegic to earn a graduate degree from Cornell University. In 1977, Ken was hired by Abilities Inc. in Albertson, NY to be its College Work Orientation Program Coordinator. Ken coordinated a program which provided educationally related work experiences for severely disabled college students. He also maintained a vocational counseling caseload of more than 20 severely disabled individuals.   While working at the Center, Ken became a nationally certified rehabilitation counselor and made numerous public presentations on non-discrimination, affirmative action and employment of the disabled. In 1977, Ken was named the Long Island Rehabilitation Associations “Rehabilitant of the Year” and in 1979 Ken was the subject of one of the Reverend Norman Vincent Peale's nationally syndicated radio broadcasts “The American Character”. Wanting to accomplish still more, Ken enrolled in Hofstra University's School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1982. Ken then went to work as an assistant district attorney in Nassau County, Long Island.   Ken was promoted a number of times during his more than 40 years with the District Attorney's Office, eventually becoming one of the Deputy Bureau Chiefs of the County Court Trial Bureau, where he helped supervise more than 20 other assistant district attorneys. In addition, over his years working in the Office, Ken supervised more than 50 student interns.   In 1996 Ken received the Honorable Thomas E. Ryan, Jr. Award presented by the Court Officers Benevolent Association of Nassau County for outstanding and dedicated service as an Assistant District Attorney. In 1999, Ken was awarded the George M. Estabrook Distinguished Service Award presented by the Hofstra Alumni Association, Inc. Beginning in 2005, for nine consecutive years, “The Ken Kunken Most Valuable Player Award” was presented annually by The Adirondack Trust Allegiance Bowl in Saratoga Springs, NY, in recognition of Ken's personal accomplishments, contributions to society and extraordinary courage.   In 2009, Ken became a member of the Board of Directors of Abilities Inc., and in 2017 he became a member of the Board of Directors for the parent company of Abilities Inc., the Viscardi Center.   In 2020, Ken was inducted into “The Susan M. Daniels Disability Mentoring Hall of Fame,” as a member of the class of 2019.   In December 2023, “The Kenneth J. Kunken Award” was presented by the Nassau County District Attorney's Office, for the first time, to an outstanding Nassau County Assistant District Attorney who personifies Ken's unique spirit and love of trial work, as well as his commitment and dedication, loyalty to his colleagues and his devotion to doing justice. The Award will be presented annually.   In March 2024, Ken was named one of the Long Island Business News Influencers in Law. Ken retired from full-time employment in 2016, but continued to work with the District Attorney's Office for the next eight years in a part time capacity, providing continuing legal education lectures and litigation guidance.   For years, Ken has tried to inspire people to do more with their lives. In October 2023, Ken's memoir “I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story” was published. In 2003 Ken married Anna and in 2005 they became the proud parents of triplet boys: Joey, Jimmy and Timmy. On June 23, 2023 the triplets graduated from Oceanside High School, fifty-five years after Ken had graduated from the same school. Ways to connect with Ken:   https://www.facebook.com/ken.kunken https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566473121422 https://www.instagram.com/ken.kunken/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/ https://www.youtube.com/@Ken.Kunken https://bsky.app/profile/kenkunken.bsky.social   About the Host:   Michael Hingson is a New York Times best-selling author, international lecturer, and Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe. Michael, blind since birth, survived the 9/11 attacks with the help of his guide dog Roselle. This story is the subject of his best-selling book, Thunder Dog.   Michael gives over 100 presentations around the world each year speaking to influential groups such as Exxon Mobile, AT&T, Federal Express, Scripps College, Rutgers University, Children's Hospital, and the American Red Cross just to name a few. He is Ambassador for the National Braille Literacy Campaign for the National Federation of the Blind and also serves as Ambassador for the American Humane Association's 2012 Hero Dog Awards.   https://michaelhingson.com https://www.facebook.com/michael.hingson.author.speaker/ https://twitter.com/mhingson https://www.youtube.com/user/mhingson https://www.linkedin.com/in/michaelhingson/   accessiBe Links https://accessibe.com/ https://www.youtube.com/c/accessiBe https://www.linkedin.com/company/accessibe/mycompany/ https://www.facebook.com/accessibe/       Thanks for listening!   Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could benefit from listening, please share it using the social media buttons on this page. Do you have some feedback or questions about this episode? Leave a comment in the section below!   Subscribe to the podcast   If you would like to get automatic updates of new podcast episodes, you can subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. You can subscribe in your favorite podcast app. You can also support our podcast through our tip jar https://tips.pinecast.com/jar/unstoppable-mindset .   Leave us an Apple Podcasts review   Ratings and reviews from our listeners are extremely valuable to us and greatly appreciated. They help our podcast rank higher on Apple Podcasts, which exposes our show to more awesome listeners like you. If you have a minute, please leave an honest review on Apple Podcasts.       Transcription Notes:   Michael Hingson ** 00:00 Access Cast and accessiBe Initiative presents Unstoppable Mindset. The podcast where inclusion, diversity and the unexpected meet. Hi, I'm Michael Hingson, Chief Vision Officer for accessiBe and the author of the number one New York Times bestselling book, Thunder dog, the story of a blind man, his guide dog and the triumph of trust. Thanks for joining me on my podcast as we explore our own blinding fears of inclusion unacceptance and our resistance to change. We will discover the idea that no matter the situation, or the people we encounter, our own fears, and prejudices often are our strongest barriers to moving forward. The unstoppable mindset podcast is sponsored by accessiBe, that's a c c e s s i capital B e. Visit www.accessibe.com to learn how you can make your website accessible for persons with disabilities. And to help make the internet fully inclusive by the year 2025. Glad you dropped by we're happy to meet you and to have you here with us.   Michael Hingson ** 01:20 Well, hello once again, and welcome to another episode of unstoppable mindset. I am your host, Michael hingson, and today we have a fascinating guest, I believe. Anyway, his name is Ken. Kuan, kunken. Am I pronouncing that right? Yes, you are. Oh, good. And Ken, in 1970 underwent a problem when he was playing football and doing a tackle on a kickoff. Namely, he broke his neck and became a quadriplegic, basically from the shoulders down. I'm sort of familiar with the concept, because my wife, from birth was in a wheelchair. She was a paraplegic, paralyzed from the t3 vertebrae down, which was like right below the breast, so she was able to transfer and so on. So not quite the same, but a lot of the same issues, of course, and we're going to talk about that basically, because when you're in a wheelchair, like a lot of other kinds of disabilities, society doesn't tend to do all they should to accommodate. And I can, can make that case very well. Most people are light dependent, and we have provided reasonable accommodations for them by providing light bulbs and light on demand wherever they go, wherever they are, whatever they do, while at the same time for people who are blind, we don't get the same degree of access without pushing a lot harder. And people in wheelchairs, of course, have all sorts of physical issues as well, such as stairs and no ramps and other things like that. And I know that Ken's going to talk some about that from university days and my wife Karen face some of the same things. But anyway, we'll get to it all. Ken, I want to welcome you to unstoppable mindset. And I think your wife, Anna is visiting with us also, right, right? Thank you. Michael, so Anna, welcome as well. Thank you so Ken. Why don't we start if we could by you telling us sort of about the early Ken, growing up and all that from being a child, and tell us a little bit about you.   Ken Kunken ** 03:40 Okay, well, if you're going back to my childhood area, Yeah, it sure is. It's quite a while ago, but I was born in 1950 and that happened to be in the midst of the polio epidemic, and unfortunately, my mother contracted polio and died when I was less than one month old. So I have an older brother, Steve, who's two years older than me, and my father brother and I ended up moving in with my grandparents for a few years before my father remarried when I was four years old. A long shot. But what's your birth date? Right? My birth date is July 15, 1950 on   Michael Hingson ** 04:23 February 24 1950 So, okay, was was just kind of hoping there was the possibility, right? Anyway, go ahead.   Ken Kunken ** 04:30 So, um, during my father's second marriage, that's when my sister Merrill was born. She's 10 years younger than I am, but unfortunately, that was not a happy marriage, and it ended in a divorce. And when I was 18, my father married for the third time. So you know, growing up in a household with a number of individuals seemingly coming and going was a little different than most people's   Michael Hingson ** 04:57 households when they were growing up. How. Was that for you?   Ken Kunken ** 05:01 Well, you know, it was nice in the sense that I got involved with a lot of different family members in my extended family. I'm very close, growing up with my grandparents, with aunts, uncles, cousins, as well as my sister and brother. And you know, I had the opportunity to interact with a lot of different people. It was difficult during my father's second marriage, because it was not a happy marriage, and, you know, it worked out in everybody's best interest when that ended in divorce. But I look back at my childhood, and I just basically call it as a very happy childhood?   Michael Hingson ** 05:42 Oh, good. Well, so no real major traumas, certainly differences, but no real harrowing kinds of things that just threw you into a complete topsy turvy at least as far as you're concerned, right? Yeah. Well, then you decided to go to Cornell, as I recall, and I know Cornell has a, I think it's a master's program, but an advanced program in hospitality. So did they feed you well at Cornell?   Ken Kunken ** 06:13 Yes, they had a very good system and fed us very well. And they have a program in hotel management, right, which I was not involved in, but there was a lot of good food at Cornell when we were there.   Michael Hingson ** 06:28 Well, that's that's always important, you know, you got to have good food at UC Irvine. We were okay. Food wise. I was on the food committee for the dorms, actually, and the food was all right, but when they had steak night that they always made a big deal about the steak was usually pretty tough, and so we we had sometimes that the food wasn't great, but they had a great soft serve ice cream machine, so lot of people took advantage of that. But anyway, so when you were at Cornell, you played football,   Ken Kunken ** 07:01 right? I was on their lightweight football team. It's for people that were smaller than the heavyweight team. When I was playing, you had to weigh 154 pounds or less two days before the game. So most of the people had played on their high school teams was too small to play on the varsity college team, but it was a varsity sport. Most of the people were very good athletes and very fast, and it was very competitive sport.   Michael Hingson ** 07:35 So tell us about that and what happened.   Ken Kunken ** 07:38 Well, during my junior year, I was injured making a tackle on a kickoff in a game against Columbia University, and when I tackled the ball carrier, I broke my neck and damaged my spinal cord, and as a result, I'm a quadriplegic. I'm almost totally paralyzed from the shoulders down,   Michael Hingson ** 08:01 and so, what kind of effect? Well, that clearly that that was pretty bad news and so on. So what kind of effect did that have on you, and how did that shape what you did going forward?   Ken Kunken ** 08:15 Oh, it totally changed my perspective on everything about myself. I mean, growing up, my life seemed to center around sports. In high school, I played on the varsity football team. I wrestled on the varsity wrestling team. I played on four different intramural softball teams. I worked on the summer as a lifeguard. Everything in my life revolved around athletics and being physically active. Now, suddenly, I couldn't be physically active at all. In fact, I am totally sedentary, sitting in a wheelchair, and I need assistance with all my activities of daily living now.   Michael Hingson ** 08:54 So what did you do when the injury happened and so on? So how did you deal with all of that?   Ken Kunken ** 09:01 Well, it was a really difficult adjustment to make. I mean, suddenly I became dependent on everybody around me, because there was not one thing I could do for myself. So it was very difficult knowing that now not only was I dependent on others, but I had to be more outgoing to be able to have asked for help when I needed it, which was difficult for me, because I had always considered myself a bit of shy person, a bit of an introvert, and now I needed to be more vocal with respect to all of my needs. So I swear, go ahead. Well, I spent the next nine months and 20 days in various hospitals and rehabilitation centers, and it was really, really difficult getting used to my new physical condition.   Michael Hingson ** 09:52 But at the same time, you could have taken the position that you just hated yourself and you just wanted to I. Make life end and so on. And it doesn't sound like that was the approach that you took.   Ken Kunken ** 10:04 Mike, I was so fortunate that I had a very supportive family who were with me and helped me every step of the way. In fact, they basically assured me that they would act as my arms and legs to make sure I could still do everything I wanted to do in my life   Michael Hingson ** 10:22 doesn't get much better than that, having a real supportive village, if you will.   Ken Kunken ** 10:27 Right? I was so fortunate, and you know, I think that helped me be able to do many things in my life that most people thought would not be possible for someone in my condition, and I was able to do it because of the help I received from my family.   Michael Hingson ** 10:44 So what did you major in at Cornell? Let's say, before the injury.   Ken Kunken ** 10:50 I before my injury, I was majoring in industrial engineering, okay? And you know, after my injury, I went back to school and continued my studies in industrial engineering and actually obtained my degree, a Bachelor of Science in industrial engineering.   Michael Hingson ** 11:08 Now, what primarily is industrial engineering?   Ken Kunken ** 11:12 Well, you know, it's kind of a technical aspect of dealing with men, material, machines, and, you know, most likely working at a business where there are a lot of different people working there, where you would try and find out what the best way of people to operate, whether it be in a factory or just in a large business setting, when you're dealing with technical aspects of the job. But I never actually worked as an engineer, because, following my degree, based on the recommendation of one of my psychology professors, I stayed at Cornell and pursued a career in counseling. And I find that a lot more suitable to not only my physical condition, but what I really wanted to do. Because, following my injury, I knew that what I really wanted to do was to devote my life and career to helping others.   Michael Hingson ** 12:08 So you very well could have made the same switch and made the same choices, even if you hadn't undergone the accident,   Ken Kunken ** 12:17 absolutely and hopefully, I would have, because I found it a lot more enjoyable, and I believe it taught me a lot about dealing with people, and it made me feel very good about myself to know that I was still in a position, despite my disability, where I could help others.   Michael Hingson ** 12:40 So you stayed at Cornell and got that master's degree in counseling, which, which really gave you that opportunity. What did you do after that?   Ken Kunken ** 12:50 Well, to increase my counseling credentials, I then went to Columbia University, where I obtained my second degree. This one was also in counseling. That degree was in psychological counseling and rehabilitation, and I decided to look for a job in the rehabilitation counseling field. And now that I had two degrees from Cornell and one from Columbia, three prestigious Ivy League degrees, two master's degrees, I didn't think I'd have much difficulty securing employment, but to my dismay, no one would hire me. This was in the mid 70s, and everyone seemed to feel I was just too disabled to work.   Michael Hingson ** 13:32 Now, why did you go to Columbia to get your second degree, your masters in rehabilitation,   Ken Kunken ** 13:39 you know? And incidentally, it that was the school I actually was injured against during the football   Michael Hingson ** 13:44 I know that's why I asked the enemy, right?   Ken Kunken ** 13:47 Yeah, but I actually applied there for my doctorate, doctorate in counseling psychology. And initially I didn't get into that program, but they invited me to participate in their master's program, and said that they would reconsider my application when I finished that degree. Now, I thought that was a special letter that I got from them because of my injury, and I thought they just wanted to see me that I could do graduate work. As it turned out, virtually everybody that applied for that program got a similar letter, and when I first met with my advisor there at Columbia, he said, you know, if you didn't get in the first time, you're probably not going to get in even when you graduate. So since I had nothing else to do at that point, I enrolled in the master's program, and I completed my second master's degree. And you know, at the time, even my advisor was pessimistic about my work prospects, wow, just because of my ability, because of my disability, and despite. Fact that here they were training people to be rehabilitation counselors and encouraging people to go into that field, they felt that due to my disability, I would still have a very difficult time gaining employment,   Michael Hingson ** 15:14 which is as ironic as it gets,   Ken Kunken ** 15:17 absolutely, absolutely and I was just very fortunate that there was a facility on Long Island called abilities Incorporated, which was part of what was then called the Human Resources Center. Is now called the Viscardi Center, after its founder, Dr Henry Viscardi, Jr, and they hired me to work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor for other individuals who had severe disabilities.   Michael Hingson ** 15:46 I'm a little bit familiar with the buscardi Center, and have found them to be very open minded in the way they operate.   Ken Kunken ** 15:54 They were terrific, absolutely terrific. And I was so fortunate to get involved with them, to be hired, to work for them, and, you know, to be associated with all the fine work they were doing it on behalf of helping other individuals with disabilities.   Michael Hingson ** 16:13 So was it primarily paraplegics and quadriplegics and so on, or did they do blind people and other disabilities as well.   Ken Kunken ** 16:21 They did a lot of different disabilities, but they did not work with people that were visually impaired. For that in New York state, there was a special agency called the commission for the visually handicapped that helped people with visual impairments, but we dealt with all different types of disabilities, whether people were hearing impaired or had not just spinal cord injuries, but other disabilities, either from birth or disabilities that they developed through diseases. And as it turned out, I was probably one of the most severely disabled of the people that I dealt with.   Michael Hingson ** 17:02 Well, but you were also, by any definition, a good role model.   Ken Kunken ** 17:06 Well, I was fortunate that I was able to help a lot of different people, and I felt that when they looked at me and saw that I was able to work despite my disability, I know it encouraged them to do their best to go out and get a job themselves.   Michael Hingson ** 17:24 And of course, it really ultimately comes down to attitude. And for you, having a positive attitude had to really help a great deal.   Ken Kunken ** 17:34 I think it made all the difference in the world. And I was very fortunate that it was my family that instilled that positive attitude in me, and they gave me so much help that after a while, I thought I'd be letting them down if I didn't do everything I could do to make something out of my life.   Michael Hingson ** 17:53 So what did you do? Well, not only   Ken Kunken ** 17:57 did I go back to school and complete my education, but I went to work and, you know, got up early every day, and with the aid of a personal care attendant, I was able to go to work and function as a vocational counselor and help others in trying to achieve their goals.   Michael Hingson ** 18:17 Now, were you going to school while you were doing some of this?   Ken Kunken ** 18:20 No, I finished my second okay, and now was able to work full time.   Michael Hingson ** 18:27 Okay, so you did that, and how long did you work there?   Ken Kunken ** 18:32 Well, I worked there for a little over two years, and you know, my duties and responsibilities kept expanding while I was there, and one of my duties was to speak at conferences before groups and organizations concerning affirmative action and non discrimination for people with disabilities. And often after my talks, I would be asked questions, and while I would do my best to respond appropriately, I was always careful to caution the question is that they should really consult with a lawyer about their concerns. And I guess it didn't take long before I started to think, you know, there's no reason why I couldn't become that lawyer. So after a little over two years, I decided to leave the job, and I went to Hofstra University School of Law.   Michael Hingson ** 19:20 So now what? What year was this?   Ken Kunken ** 19:24 I left the job. I started the job in 77 I left in 79 when I started law school.   Michael Hingson ** 19:32 Okay, so you went to Hofstra,   Ken Kunken ** 19:35 right? And while I was at Hofstra through my brother's suggestion. My brother was working as a public defender at the time, he suggested I do an internship at the district attorney's office. So after my second year of law school, I did an internship there during the summer, and I found a new way. I could help people and serve the community as a whole, and I really enjoyed that work. So when I was in my third year of law school, I applied for a full time position with the district attorney's office, and I was very fortunate that the district attorney was a very progressive, self confident individual who based his hiring decision on my abilities rather than my disability.   Michael Hingson ** 20:27 Wow, that had to be, especially back then, a fairly, as you said, progressive, but an amazing thing to do, because even today, there are so many times that we get challenges and too many things thrown in our way, but you had someone who really thought enough of you and obviously decided that your abilities were such on the job that you could do   Ken Kunken ** 20:51 it. I was very fortunate to have come in contact with the district attorney at the time. His name was Dennis Dillon, and he seemed to know that when I'd go to court, a jury was not going to base its verdict on my inability to walk, but rather on my skill and competence as an attorney. And thanks to the training and guidance I received in the office, I became a very confident and competent, skilled trial attorney   Michael Hingson ** 21:22 well, and it had to be the way you projected yourself that would convince a jury to decide cases in the right way. So again, kudos to you.   Ken Kunken ** 21:33 Thank you. Well, I certainly did my best to do that, and at the time that I applied for this job, I didn't know of any quadriplegics that were trial attorneys. May have been some, but I didn't know of any. Certainly there were none on Long Island, and certainly no assistant district attorneys at the time that I knew of who were quadriplegics.   Michael Hingson ** 21:59 Now, of course, the question that comes to mind is, so was the office accessible?   Ken Kunken ** 22:05 No question. And you know, let me just go further by telling you that my first day in court, I couldn't even fit through the swinging doorways in the courtroom. They were too narrow to let me get through to get to the prosecutor's table, because my electric wheelchair was too wide.   Michael Hingson ** 22:24 What did you do? Or what happened?   Ken Kunken ** 22:27 Well, eventually they had to take off the swinging doorways and the screws and bolts that kept them in place, but usually I had to go very roundabout on a long way to get to the back of each courtroom and go through the back, which was really difficult. And one of my assignments happened to be to our traffic court Bureau, which was in a neighboring building on the second floor, and unfortunately, there the elevator was broken. So after three days, I was actually received my first promotion, because they didn't know when it would be fixed. But eventually I was able to get into court, and I did a lot of litigation while I was   Michael Hingson ** 23:10 there. How did judges react to all of this?   Ken Kunken ** 23:15 You know, it was very new to them as well. And you know, there are times when you needed to approach the bench and talk very quietly, you know, to so the jury wouldn't hear you, and it was very difficult, because benches are elevated, yeah. And I had difficulty approaching the bench or even turning my head side enough to look up at the judges and then for them to hear me. And sometimes they would have to get off the bench, and, you know, meet me on the side of the courtroom to have conferences and but for the most part, I thought they were very supportive. I thought they appreciated the hard work that I was doing, and I think they tried to be accommodating when they could.   Michael Hingson ** 23:58 Did you ever encounter any that just were totally intolerant of all of it,   Ken Kunken ** 24:02 sure, you know, many of them were very impatient. Some of them had difficulty hearing and when I was trying to look up and talk to them without the jury hearing, some of them had trouble hearing me because, you know, they were much higher up than I was in my wheelchair. So it was very challenging.   Michael Hingson ** 24:23 I was involved in a lawsuit against an airline because they wouldn't allow me and my guide dog to sit where we wanted to sit on the airplane, which was in direct violation of even the rules of the airline. And when it went to court, the judge who was assigned it was a federal judge, and he was like 80, and he just couldn't hear anything at all. It was, it was really too bad. And of course, my and my wife was was with me, and of course, in her chair, so she wasn't sitting in a regular row. And he even grilled her, what are you doing? Why aren't you sitting in a row? And she said, I'm in a wheelchair. Oh, yeah, it's amazing that hopefully we are we have progressed a little bit from a lot of that the last thing. So, yeah, the lawsuit was 1985 so it was a long time ago, and hopefully we have progressed some. But still, there are way too many people who don't get it, and who don't understand nearly as much as they should, and don't internalize that maybe we're not all the same, and we can't necessarily do everything exactly the same every single time,   Ken Kunken ** 25:35 right? And you know, I had the added misfortune of having my injury 20 years before the Americans with Disabilities Act was passed, and that made an enormous difference for not just people in wheelchairs, but people with all different types of disabilities.   Michael Hingson ** 25:53 So how did you, in general, learn to deal with people's perceptions of you, rather than the reality? Well, that is a lot. Yeah, there are lots of perceptions, right?   Ken Kunken ** 26:07 You know, many people think that because you have a physical disability, that you must also have an intellectual disability. And people would often come into my room and wherever I was, whether it was when I was first in the hospital or later at the office and speak to the person next to me and ask them questions about me, as if I couldn't speak for myself, yeah, even as if I wasn't even there. And it took a while for me to be more outgoing and convince people that, yes, they can deal with me. You know, I can still talk and think. And I think whenever a jury came into the courtroom for the first time, I think they were very surprised to see the prosecutor as somebody with a disability who was sitting in an electric wheelchair.   Michael Hingson ** 26:56 I know once we went to a restaurant, and of course, having a family with two people in two different disabilities, went to this restaurant, and we were waiting to be seated, and finally, Karen said the hostess is just staring at us. She doesn't know who to talk to, because I'm not making eye contact, necessarily. And Karen, sitting in her chair is way lower. And so Karen just said to me, Well, this lady doesn't know who to talk to. So I said, Well, maybe we can get her to just ask us what what we want and what help we need. Are carrying on the conversation. Got this, this nice lady to recognize. Oh, you know, I can talk with them. And so she said, Well, how can I help you? And we both kind of said we'd like to sit and have breakfast. Oh, okay, and it went well from there. But it is, it is a challenge, and people have crazy perceptions, I know, going down the stairs at the World Trade Center on September 11, when I encountered the firefighters coming up for a while, they blocked me from going because they decided that I needed help, and they would, they would ask me questions, like, we're going to help you. Is that okay? And I said, No, it's not. But they always talked loud, because if you're blind, you obviously can't hear either, right? And it was difficult to get them to deal with all of that. And finally, I had to just say, Look, I got my friend David over here, who can see we're working together. We're fine, and they let us go because I had a sighted person with me, not that I had the ability to go downstairs, even though I had to help keep David focused sometimes, and also, there's no magic for a blind person to go downstairs. You know, you go down the stairs, you hold the rail, you turn left there, in this case, and you go down the next batch of stairs. But people don't recognize that. Maybe there are techniques that we use to deal with the same things that they deal with, only in a different way.   Ken Kunken ** 29:03 Absolutely, and that applies to work as well. I mean, people assume that if you can't do a job the way most people seem to do it, who don't have a disability, they automatically assume you're not going to be able to function at all at the job. Yeah, and a lot of times, it takes a lot of convincing to show people that there are other ways of approaching a problem and handling a work situation.   Michael Hingson ** 29:27 One of the common things that we as blind people face, and it happens in schools and so on, is, Oh, you don't need to learn braille that's outmoded. You can listen to books that are computer generated or recorded and so on. And the reality is, no we need to learn braille for the same reason the sighted people learn to read print, and that is, it's all about learning to spell. It's learning about sentence structure and so on, and it's learning about having better ways to be able to truly enter. Interact with the text as I tell people, I don't care what anyone says, you will not learn physics as well from recordings as you can by truly having access to everything in a braille book, because you can refer back easier, and they've done some improvements in recording, but it's still not the same as what you get when you do Braille, which is the same thing for you reading print, or any other sighted person reading print. You read that print because there are various reasons why you need to do that, as opposed to learning how to just listen to books recorded anyway,   Ken Kunken ** 30:36 right? Well, I had the added misfortune of being injured well before they had laptop   Michael Hingson ** 30:41 computers. Yeah, me too. Well, I yeah, not. I wasn't injured, but yeah,   Ken Kunken ** 30:46 right. So trying to do my schoolwork or later work at a job, you know, it posed even more challenges. Now, of course, having ebooks and being able to use a computer, it's made a big difference, not just for me, but for many individuals.   Michael Hingson ** 31:04 Sure, do you use like programs like Dragon Naturally Speaking to interact with the computer?   Ken Kunken ** 31:10 You know, I tried that, and I had a lot of difficulty with it. I know you need to train it. And when I first tried it, which was in its infancy, it just wasn't responding well to my voice, so I don't use that. I've been fortunate with that with advancements in wheelchairs, my wheelchair now has a Bluetooth device connected to my joystick, and I could actually move my left arm a little bit where I could work the joystick and move the mouse on my computer, moving my joystick. You   Michael Hingson ** 31:45 really might want to look into dragon again. It is just so incredibly different than it was years ago. I remember when Dragon Dictate first came out, and all of the challenges of it, but they have done so much work in developing the language models that it's it's a whole lot better than it used to be, and, yeah, you have to train it. But training isn't all that hard nowadays, even by comparison to what it was, and it gives you a lot of flexibility. And I am absolutely certain it would recognize your voice without any difficulty?   Ken Kunken ** 32:22 Well, it's good to hear that they've made those advancements,   Michael Hingson ** 32:26 and it's not nearly as expensive as it used to be, either. Well, that's good   Ken Kunken ** 32:30 to hear. I know when I first tried it, it was incredibly frustrating, yeah, because it wasn't responding well to my voice, and   Michael Hingson ** 32:38 it was like $1,500 as I recall, it was pretty expensive right now, it's maybe two or $300 and there's also a legal version of it and other things like that. Yeah, you really ought to try it. You might find it makes a big difference. It's worth exploring Anyway, okay, but be that as it may, so you you dealt with people's perceptions, and how did you, as you continue to encounter how people behave towards you, how did you keep from allowing that to embitter you or driving you crazy?   Ken Kunken ** 33:15 Well, you know, certainly at work, I needed to go in a jacket and tie, and I found that when you're wearing a jacket and tie, many people treated you differently than when you're just wearing street clothes. So I think that certainly helped that work. But I later became a supervisor in the district attorney's office, and people saw that, you know, not only could they talk with me on an intellectual level, but they saw I was supervising other assistant district attorneys, and I think that convinced a lot of people pretty quickly that I knew what I was doing and that they should treat me no different than they would any other lawyer, Assistant District Attorney.   Michael Hingson ** 33:59 Yeah, well, and it is projecting that confidence in a in a positive way that does make such a big difference,   Ken Kunken ** 34:08 absolutely. And I think when people saw me at work, one of the things that I appreciated was I never even needed to mention again that somebody with a disability could work, and not just at an entry level position, that a very responsible position. I was convinced them, just by showing them, without ever having to mention that somebody with a disability could do this kind of work.   Michael Hingson ** 34:35 I never bring it up unless it comes up, and a lot of times, especially when talking on the phone and so on, it never comes up. I've had times when people eventually met me, and of course, were themselves, somewhat amazed. I'm a blind person and all that I said, nothing's changed here, folks. The reality is that the same guy I was when you were just talking to me on the phone. So let's move forward. Word. And mostly people got it and and dealt with it very well.   Ken Kunken ** 35:08 Well, I used to have a lot of people, when they meet me for the first time, were very surprised to see that I was in a wheelchair. I never would say, Boy, you didn't sound like you were disabled. Yeah, right. And I think they were very surprised when they met me.   Michael Hingson ** 35:23 I've had some people who've said that to me, Well, you didn't sound blind on the telephone. And so depending on how snarky I feel or not, I might say, Well, what does a blind person sound like? And that generally tends to stop them, because the reality is, what does a blind person sound like? It doesn't mean anything at all, and it's really their attitudes that need to change. And I know as a keynote speaker for the last 23 years, just by doing the things that I do, and talking and communicating with people, it is also all about helping to change attitudes, which is a lot of fun.   Ken Kunken ** 36:03 You know, Michael, when I first went back to college, I was approached by a student on campus, and when he asked if I was Ken kunken, and I responded that I was, he asked, aren't you supposed to be in the hospital? Now, you know, I was very tempted to say yes, but I escaped. Please don't tell anyone. But you know, it even took a while to just show people, somebody with a disability does not need to be permanently in a rehab facility or a hospital or staying at home with their families, that there's an awful lot somebody could do and to be seen out in public and show people that you can work, you can go to school, you can do basically what everybody else does once you're given the opportunity.   Michael Hingson ** 36:55 Of course, being spiteful, my response would have been, well, yeah, I should still be in the hospital doing brain surgery, but I decided that I didn't want to be a doctor because I didn't have any patients, so I decided to take a different career, right? Oh, people, yeah, what do you do? And we all face it, but the reality is, and I believe very firmly and have have thought this way for a long time, that like it or not, we're teachers, and we do need to teach people, and we need to take that role on, and it can be difficult sometimes, because you can lose patience, depending on what kind of questions people ask and so on. But the reality is, we are teachers, and our job is to teach, and we can make that a very fun thing to do as we move forward, too.   Ken Kunken ** 37:44 You know, Michael, I found most people really want to be helpful. Yeah, a lot of times they don't know how to be helpful or how to go about it, or what to say or what to do, but most people are really good people that want to help. And you know, the more they come in contact with somebody with a disability, the more comfortable they will feel   Michael Hingson ** 38:04 right, and they'll learn to ask if you want help, and they won't make the assumption, which is, of course, the whole point.   Ken Kunken ** 38:14 You know, Michael, when you leave the job the district attorney's office, you would go through what they call an exit interview, where they would ask you what you thought was the best part of the job, what you thought could be improved. And I'm so happy and proud to say that I was told that a number of assistant district attorneys said that one of the best parts of their job was meeting and getting to know and working with me. And the reason why I wanted to highlight that was I know they weren't talking about me being Ken kunken, but me being somebody with a disability. Because unless they had a close relative with a disability, people rarely came in daily contact with somebody with a disability, and for them, it was often a revelation that they found helped motivate and inspire them to work harder in their job, and they were very appreciative of that,   Michael Hingson ** 39:12 but they also learned that the disability wasn't what defined you. What defined you was you and your personality and what you did not necessarily exactly how you   Ken Kunken ** 39:24 did it, absolutely. And I think it was also a revelation that working with me did not involve additional work for them, right? I was able to carry my own weight, and often was more productive than many of the people I was working with. Right?   Michael Hingson ** 39:42 Well, and I think that's a very crucial point about the whole thing. When you became a lawyer, did that change your view of yourself? I mean, I know it was a kind of an evolution that got you to being a lawyer. But how did becoming a lawyer and when go. Answer, and getting the law degree and then working in a law office. How did that change your perceptions and your attitudes and outlook?   Ken Kunken ** 40:06 You know, it really changed it a great deal, because I had people look at me with a very different eye when they were looking at me. You know, I enjoyed my work as a vocational rehabilitation counselor very much. And I encourage people to do that work. But I felt that there were people that looked at me and thought, you know, he has a disability. Maybe he could only work with other people had disabilities. And I was very proud of the fact that when I became a lawyer, I was working with very few people that had disabilities. Most of them were able bodied. And I wanted to show people that you're not limited in any way with who you're going to work with and what you could do. And I think it's so important for people to keep their perceptions high, their expectations high when they're dealing with individuals, because just because somebody has a disability does not mean they cannot perform and do as much as virtually anybody else on the job   Michael Hingson ** 41:14 well, and you clearly continue to have high expectations of and for you, but also I would suspect that the result was you had high expectations for those around you as well. You helped them shape what they did, and by virtue of the way you functioned, you helped them become better people as well.   Ken Kunken ** 41:38 Well, I certainly tried to and from the feedback that I've gotten from many of the people I worked with, that seemed to be the case, and I'm very proud of that. In fact, I might add Michael that two years ago, the district attorney, now her name is Ann Donnelly, actually started an award in the district attorney's office that's given out annually that they named the Kenneth J kunken award. They named it for me because they wanted to recognize and honor the outstanding Assistant District Attorney each year who displayed the work ethic and the loyalty and devotion to the office as well the person in the wheelchair, right? And I'm very proud of that,   Michael Hingson ** 42:25 but I will bet, and I'm not trying to mitigate it, but I will bet that mostly that award came about because of the things that you did and your work ethic, and that the wheelchair aspect of it was really somewhat second nature. And far down the list,   Ken Kunken ** 42:41 I'm very proud of the fact that that seems to be the case and and one of the aspects of that award was they talked about the effect that I had on my colleagues, and the beneficial effect that that was Yeah,   Michael Hingson ** 42:56 because the reality is, it ultimately comes down to who you are and what you do and and I'm not, and again, I'm not mitigating being in a wheelchair or having any kind of disability, but I really, truly believe ultimately the disability isn't what is not what defines us, it's how we are and what we do and how we behave in society that really will be what helps us make a mark on whatever we're involved with,   Ken Kunken ** 43:28 right? And I think for some, as I say, it was a revelation to see that somebody with a disability had the same needs, wants and desires as everybody else. We were certainly no different with respect to that right.   Michael Hingson ** 43:43 So how long did you work as a lawyer and in the district attorney's office?   Ken Kunken ** 43:49 Well, I worked there full time for more than 33 years, and then I worked there in a part time capacity for an additional eight years. So all told, more than 40 years I worked there, and in fact, I'm one of the longest serving Nassau County assistant district attorneys that they've ever had.   Michael Hingson ** 44:09 Now, why did you go back to part time after 33 years?   Ken Kunken ** 44:15 Well, there are a number of reasons. You know, I I thought that due to some health issues, I wanted to play it safe and make sure that I locked in my pension, because I thought there would be a bigger payout if I retired while I was still working than if I died while I was working on the job. As it turned out, my health issue seemed to resolve itself, but I decided that, you know, retiring, when I did, gave me some more time to spend at home with my family, and I really appreciated being able to do that.   Michael Hingson ** 44:53 That's a very admirable thing. Can't complain about that. So what keeps you going?   Ken Kunken ** 45:00 What keeps me going now is my family. Just so your listeners know, I'm married to the wonderful woman that's actually sitting to my right right now. My name is Anna, and we're actually the parents of triplet sons. We have three incredible boys, Joseph, James and Timothy. They're now 20 years old, and they're currently sophomores at three separate colleges in upstate New York, and they're the light of my life. I couldn't be more proud. And they're what keeps me going these days.   Michael Hingson ** 45:33 What colleges?   Ken Kunken ** 45:36 Well, James is going to the State University of New York at Morrisville, where he's studying renewable energy. Timothy is pursuing a dual major at the SI Newhouse School of Communications in the Maxwell School of Public Policy at Syracuse University. And my son Joseph is actually attending my alma mater, Cornell University, where he's majoring in mechanical engineering.   Michael Hingson ** 46:06 And do they all go watch football games on the weekend? I mean, given the fact that least a couple of those are at schools with good football   Ken Kunken ** 46:13 teams, right? But you know what? They never wanted anything to do with football. But they are all physically active, in great shape, and in fact, all of them have pursued the martial arts, and all three of them are second degree black belts in Taekwondo. And they've all even worked as instructors in the Taekwondo studio here in Long Island.   Michael Hingson ** 46:35 So dad has to be careful, though they'll take you out, huh?   Ken Kunken ** 46:39 You bet. In fact, I've got my own three personal bodyguards when   Michael Hingson ** 46:43 I got right, you can't do better than that. And and Anna, which I'll bet is more formidable than all of them   Ken Kunken ** 46:53 on, is incredible. I mean, she is just a force that is unstoppable. She's incredible.   Michael Hingson ** 47:01 Well, that's cool all the way around, and it's, it's great that you, you have a good neighborhood around you to support you, and I think we all need that. That's that's pretty important to to deal with. So with your job and all that, now that you are retired, I don't know whether you have much stress in your life, but how do you deal with stress? And how does stress affect you and or does it make any difference with a disability?   Ken Kunken ** 47:30 It sure does. It's an interesting question, because before my injury, one of the ways I would deal with stress would be out of the football field, yeah, you know, being physically active, running into an individual, you know, to tackle or block, that was a great way to relieve some of my stress. Once I had my injury, I no longer had that outlet, so I had to find different ways of dealing with it. One of my ways was, you know, trying to sit outside and sit in the garden or by water and, you know, just enjoy nature and try and relax and clear my mind. But now my best stress relievers are my three children. I'm spending time with them, watching all that they're doing. I find that the best way of me to be able to relax and relieve any anxieties that I have?   Michael Hingson ** 48:23 Well, I think there's a lot of value in doing things that keep you calm and focused. I think that is the best way to deal with stress. All too often, we don't think or be introspective about ourselves and our lives, and we don't really step back and get rid of that stress mentally, and that's where it really all comes from. I mean, I know people have physical manifestations of stress and so on, but I would submit that typically, stress is so much more an emotional thing because we haven't learned how to deal with it, and you clearly have   Ken Kunken ** 49:02 it took a while, but yeah, now I have my family to help every step of the way, and that includes relieving the stress that I've under.   Michael Hingson ** 49:10 Yeah, and stress is important to get rid of and not have around. It will help you live a whole lot longer not to have stress I just went through a week ago and op was, you know, an operation to change a heart valve. And people keep asking me, well, Weren't you worried? Weren't you stressed over that? And my answer was, No, I had no control over it really happening to my knowledge, I don't think that I've been a very poor eater, and all of my arteries and everything were good. And so no, I wasn't stressed, even when I first learned that there was an issue and wasn't an emergency room for over 24 hours, mostly sitting around, I chose not to be stressed, and it was a choice. And so I just listened to things around me and became quite entertained at some of the people. People who were in the emergency room with me, but being stressed wasn't going to do anything to help the process at all. So I refuse to get stressed.   Ken Kunken ** 50:09 That's great. And you know, I think this finally retiring has helped me deal with stress as well, because working as an assistant district attorney, there can be a lot of stressful situations in the office, and it's, it's nice to finally be retired and be able to enjoy all of my activities outside of the office.   Michael Hingson ** 50:33 What would you say is probably the most stressful thing that you had to endure as an attorney? You were, I mean, you did this for 40 years, or almost 40 years? So what? Well, actually, yeah, for 40 years. So what would you say is the most stressful thing that you ever had to deal with?   Ken Kunken ** 50:50 Well, I had to rely on, you know, my memory, because it was difficult for me even turning pages of a book or pulling, you know, pieces of paper out of a file, and there was a lot of paperwork that you get to be familiar with, whether they be grand jury testimony or prior witness statements. And I had to rely a lot of my memory and through the help of student interns or paralegals or secretaries, and it was very difficult. And I might add, you know, just to give you one anecdote, one day after I had convicted a defendant of, you know, felony, you know, he was a person with a lot of prior involvement with the criminal justice system, and I was about to go down for his sentencing, he jumped in the elevator with me, and now we're alone in the elevator riding down, and here I am with this person that I convicted of a serious case, and I'm about to recommend that he go to an upstate prison. And he approaches me and says, I have a proposition for you. If you don't send me to jail, I'll agree to work as your personal care attendant for a year, which really struck me as odd. I mean, he must have thought that working for me for a year would be the equivalent of going to prison for a few years. But fortunately, the elevator door opened and I politely turned down his request and went to court, and he was sentenced to two to four years in an upstate prison.   Michael Hingson ** 52:28 Still was creative,   52:30 right?   Michael Hingson ** 52:33 So in all of your life and all the things you've done, what are you most proud   Ken Kunken ** 52:36 of, well, but definitely most proud of my family life? I mean, as I indicated, I'm married now, married for more than 21 years now, my three boys are sophomores in college and doing absolutely great, and make me proud every single day. But I'm proud of the fact that I was able to go back to school, complete my education and work at a job and earn a living where I was able to support myself and able to purchase a house and live now with my wife and children and lead as just about as normal a life as any other family would lead.   Michael Hingson ** 53:18 Now being married to Ana is that your first marriage? It sure is. So there we go. Well, I hear you and but you guys met late, and I'm going to step out on a limb and say it proves something that I've always felt, which is, you'll get married when the right person comes along, especially if you're mature enough to recognize it,   Ken Kunken ** 53:41 you're right. And I was very fortunate that the right person came along in my life, and we have a very happy marriage that I cannot picture life without him right now,   Michael Hingson ** 53:56 my wife and I got married when I was 32 she was 33 but we knew what we wanted in a partner, and when we first met each other, it just sort of clicked right from the beginning. We met in January of 1982 and in July, I asked her to marry me, and we got married in November of 1982 and so we were married for 40 years before she passed. And you know, there are always challenges, but, but you deal with it. So it must have been really an interesting time and an interesting life, suddenly discovering you have three boy triplets.   Ken Kunken ** 54:31 You know, it really was well, you know, when I decided to get married, she told me that she wanted to have my baby, and not just any baby my baby, she said she wanted to see a little pumpkin running around our home. And this really seemed impossible at the time. I had been paralyzed for more than 30 years, and I was already in my 50s, but we looked into various options, including in vitro fertilization and. And we're very excited, excited to learn we could still, I could still father a child. So we pursued it. And you know, through good fortune, good luck, and I guess somebody smiling on us from above, Anna became pregnant with triplets, and I couldn't be happier to have these three wonderful boys in my life.   Michael Hingson ** 55:21 So did becoming a father change you? Or how did you evolve? When that all happened,   Ken Kunken ** 55:26 it sure did. I mean, you know, it went from me being number one in honors life to suddenly being number four after all, three boys got the attention they needed, but it was wonderful for me to be able to help shape their lives and guide them so that they would develop the right character and values and learn the importance of helping others throughout their lives, which they do, and It's I think it's made me a better person, being able to help and guide them. That's cool.   Michael Hingson ** 56:07 Well, the the other thing I would ask is, if you had a chance to go back and talk to a younger Ken, what would you say? What would you teach them so that they would maybe make mistakes that you made?   Ken Kunken ** 56:18 Well, I'd say there's an awful lot you could still do in life, even without your physical movement, and sometimes it takes a lot of patience and a lot of self reflection, but to realize there's an awful lot you can do and that they need to keep their expectations high for themselves as well as for others, and to realize that just because something has not been done before doesn't mean they cannot do it now. They've got to find different ways of approaching problems and handling it and developing some self confidence in themselves and their ability to deal with difficult situations.   Michael Hingson ** 57:03 How did the Americans with Disabilities Act improve all that you did and make your life, especially on the job, better?   Ken Kunken ** 57:12 Well, it, you know, made facilities so much more accessible. When I first went back to college, there was not one ramp or curb cut on the entire campus. On my first day back in school, I had to be either pulled up or bounced down close to 100 steps just to attend my classes, and as I indicated, in the DAs office, I couldn't even fit through the swinging doorways to get in the courtroom. So it made it tremendously easier to not have to deal with all the physical challenges, but it also made it better for dealing with other people and their attitudes about dealing with people with disabilities, because thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act, you see more people with disabilities out in public. So people are more used to seeing, dealing, interacting with people, and seeing what they can do and that they're just like everybody else. And as a result, people's attitudes have been changing, and I think that's helped me as well, in many different ways.   Michael Hingson ** 58:20 Cool, well, you have written a book about all of this. Tell me about the book.   Ken Kunken ** 58:27 Okay, I actually started writing a book when I was still in the rehab facility. Not long after I was hurt, a friend of my aunt Lorraine's by the name of Albert meglan visited me in the hospital and thought that one it may help me deal with my depression by talking about what I was going through, but also inform other individuals what a spinal cord injury was like and what's involved with rehabilitation. So he used to visit me in the rehab facility one day a week for a number of weeks for me to start writing a book about my experiences. And then when I went back to school, I started working on it on my own, but I would pick it up and stop and start and stop again over the course of 50 years. And then once I retired, I had more time to sit down with my wife, and I would dictate to her, and she would type it on her laptop computer until we finally finished my memoir, which is called I dream of things that never were, the Ken kunken story, and it's published by a company called 12 tables Press, and they could learn more about my book by going on my website, which is kenkunkin.com and I might add that where I got the title of my book was six months after my injury. I was asked to testify before a United States Health subcommittee chaired by Senate. Senator Edward Kennedy. And eight days after my testimony, Senator Kennedy sent me a glass paperweight in the mail that had an inscription on it that the senator said his late brother Robert Kennedy liked very much. And the inscription read, some men see things as they are and say, Why I dream of things that never were. And say, why not? And that's where I got the title of my book. I dream of things that never were.   Michael Hingson ** 1:00:28 Yeah, that's cool. And where can people get the book?   Ken Kunken ** 1:00:35 Well, it's available on Amazon. It's also available at the Cornell bookstore, and if they go on my website, Ken kunken.com spellkin For me, please. It's K U N, as in Nancy. K e n that tells of a number of ways that they could purchase the book, both the hardcover book, it's also available as a Kindle version as an e book, and just recently, we put it out as an audio book as well. And they could learn all about it by going to the website, but certainly it's available on Amazon. If they wanted to order in bulk, they could contact my publisher directly, and he could help them fulfill that type of order. Cool.   Michael Hingson ** 1:01:22 That is great. So now the real question is, are there any more books in Ken to come out?   Ken Kunken ** 1:01:28 Well, this book took me 50 years to I know you got to go a little bit faster. So no, I think I wrote down everything that I wanted to convey to people in that book, and now I'm actively just promoting the book like you. I've spoken at a number of different events as a motivational speaker, and you know, the book has given me a way to get m

A look back at the fraught three-week manhunt that took place in 2015 after two convicts escaped from the Dannemora prison in northern New York, not far from the Vermont border. Plus, Copley Hospital board members vote to close the Morrisville institution's birthing center, a provision in the Trump tax bill before Congress could reduce the amount of money Vermont normally gets to help pay Medicaid expenses, employee-owned Gardener's Supply files for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, the state's unemployment rate remained steady last month, and a pioneer in Vermont's fight for same-sex marriage rights has died.

While Soulmate Brewing's home is in Morrisville, VT., the story begins years earlier in Boca Raton, the home of Soulmate's co-founder Jonathan Mogor; and, now, that Soulmate is distributing, the natural first stop was south Florida. During the recent Ocean Brews and Blues Beer Festival, we spoke to Joanthan to learn more about the Soulmate story, find out about the beers currently available in the south Florida market, and hear the craziest beaver infestation story ever! Listen in... Host & Editor: David Butler of the Florida Beer Blog Executive Producer: Jaime (“Jemmy”) Legagneur, Chief Enthusiasm Officer Field Producer/Photographer: Steve Pekala Guest: Jonathan Mogor, Soulmate Brewing Equipment Sponsor: Mainline Marketing | Featured Product: Shure MV7 | Full MV7 Podcast Mic Bundle with Boom Arm and Headphones Interested in becoming FBP's next Title Sponsor? Contact FPN today! Opening Voice Over Courtesy of: Jeff Brozovich Follow Florida Beer Blog on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional Support Provided by: Florida Podcast Network =========== FPN:  Check out the other shows on the Florida Podcast Network

While Soulmate Brewing's home is in Morrisville, VT., the story begins years earlier in Boca Raton, the home of Soulmate's co-founder Jonathan Mogor; and, now, that Soulmate is distributing, the natural first stop was south Florida. During the recent Ocean Brews and Blues Beer Festival, we spoke to Joanthan to learn more about the Soulmate story, find out about the beers currently available in the south Florida market, and hear the craziest beaver infestation story ever! Listen in... Host & Editor: David Butler of the Florida Beer Blog Executive Producer: Jaime (“Jemmy”) Legagneur, Chief Enthusiasm Officer Field Producer/Photographer: Steve Pekala Guest: Jonathan Mogor, Soulmate Brewing Equipment Sponsor: Mainline Marketing | Featured Product: Shure MV7 | Full MV7 Podcast Mic Bundle with Boom Arm and Headphones Interested in becoming FBP's next Title Sponsor? Contact FPN today! Opening Voice Over Courtesy of: Jeff Brozovich Follow Florida Beer Blog on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Additional Support Provided by: Florida Podcast Network =========== FPN:  Check out the other shows on the Florida Podcast Network

Why Vermont is in dire need of a new residency program to train primary care doctors, and we hear from two more Vermont-based musicians who competed to win this year's NPR's Tiny Desk contest. Plus, Sen. Welch urges president Trump to take an active roll in getting Republicans to support a bill lowering the cost of prescription drugs, Gov. Scott issues an executive order pausing electric vehicle sales requirements, Morrisville residents rally to keep the birthing center at Copley Hospital open while officials consider closing it as a cost-saving measure, and Vermont lawmakers renew a bill approving to-go alcohol purchases. 

On this episode, host Chris Adkins speaks with Gerry Farrell, a seasoned expert with over two decades of experience in the CDMO space and current executive advisor at Kymanox. Their discussion explores three key areas of the evolving bioprocessing landscape: 1. The Evolution from Antibodies to Gene Therapy. How bioprocessing has grown increasingly complex from the relatively straightforward days of monoclonal antibody manufacturing to today's gene therapy challenges. Gerry highlights the critical importance of analytical development for early-stage companies and why having the right methods—not necessarily more methods—is crucial for success. 2. Economic Realities and CDMO Dynamics. Gerry offers perspectives on the current economic environment facing biotech, including investor sentiment and funding challenges. The discussion unpacks the paradox of some CDMOs expanding capacity while others close facilities, and explores the strategic considerations driving companies toward either in-house manufacturing or outsourcing. 3. Manufacturing Technologies and Future Trends. The episode delves into the ongoing debate between single-use and stainless steel manufacturing systems, with insights into why large-scale stainless steel facilities continue to dominate commercial antibody production. Gerry shares thoughts on emerging technologies, the potential impact of AI and machine learning on bioprocessing, and how sponsor companies can better leverage CDMO expertise to navigate these evolving landscapes. Resources and Links:Learn more about Kymanox: kymanox.comConnect with Kymanox on LinkedIn: Kymanox LinkedInAbout Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.Life Science Solutions is edited and produced by Walk West.

The board members of a small community hospital in Morrisville face a difficult decision on whether to close its birthing center. Plus, Middlebury College is among 60 universities under threat of enforcement for allegedly failing to protect Jewish students on campus, Ripton elementary school is losing its kindergarten and first grade classes, the Scott administration warns volatility in Washington makes it hard to predict Vermont's future economic health despite current strong revenues, the Department of Public safety seeks input regarding a new report suggesting changes to how emergency dispatch calls are handled, and Vermont now has its first official Animal Welfare Director.

In the next few months, the hospital board will vote on whether or not to close the birthing center at the community hospital in Morrisville.

Stephen Sanders is the Head Trainer at The Environmental Training Center at Morrisville State, Morrisville NY. In this episode we discussed challenges in the water industry, including workforce aging, recruitment difficulties, and negative public perception. We explored solutions such as simplifying certification processes, improving community relations through clear communication, and emphasizing the industry's positive community impact. Next steps include implementing improved recruitment and training strategies, focusing on community relations rather than solely public relations. Give the episode a listen and remember to thank your local Public Works Professionals.

Creating and maintaining an elevated standard of hospitality is no easy task. It not only requires strategies and systems, but it requires that those providing the hospitality also experience it themselves. That people-first focus on employee satisfaction and sustainability matched with a high standard of training and a structure of operations to support  and nurture the culture is exactly what today's guests have created in their cafe.  Today we get to talk with the owners of Fount Coffee and Kitchen in Morrisville, NC!  Fount Coffee + Kitchen is owned by two husband and wife teams in Morrisville, North Carolina: Shawn and Kristen Preissner and George and Katie Kilgore. They are two local families that came together with a shared vision and passion for great coffee, food, and hospitality. They initially met in 2015, became great friends, put together a business plan, and opened the doors of Fount in December of 2018. Recognizing the need that existed in the Morrisville/Research Triangle Park community for both specialty coffee and a community gathering space, they sought to meet this need with premium menu offerings, elevated guest experience, and intentional workplace culture on the forefront of their mission. We discuss: The Founding Story of Fount Integration of corporate strategies that benefit small biz Why feedback from team members is crucial for continuous improvement. Fount Coffee's mission: to serve intentionally, excellently, and joyfully. Why the owners hold each other accountable to maintain discipline in operations. Prioritizing team morale and sustainability in the workplace. Celebrating team members' contributions. Why you should focus on financial health to allow for team investments. Efficient scheduling as a key to staff satisfaction. Barista work is more demanding than perceived. Why future growth must align with your values. Links: www.fountcoffee.com Instagram : @fountcoffee   Related episodes:  391 : Founder Friday! w/ Megan Wilson of Spuds Coffee in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida 343 : Founder Friday! “Curated Edition” | Hospitality + Meeting People Where They Are 194 : Encore Episode! Leadership in the Cafe: 10 Steps to being a People First Leader | Aired January 17 2017 446: Building a People-First Coffee Tech Culture w/ Jason “Double J” Johnson, Black Rabbit Service Co. 472: Why Technical Skill as a Leader is Not Enough w/ Jonathan Raymond, Refound, Author: Good Authority   ATTENTION CAFE OWNERS w/ 2+ Years of running your brick and mortar.... - LOOKING FOR A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT, ACCOUNTABILITY, INSIGHT, AND ENCOURAGEMENT?  - The Key Holder Coaching Group master-mind are now taking new applicants for our 4th cohort launching in march!    Click below to fill out your application now! KEY HOLDER COACHING APPLICATION   INTERESTED IN 1:1 CONSULTING AND COACHING? If you are a cafe owner and want to work one on one with me to bring your shop to its next level and help bring you joy and freedom in the process then email  chris@keystothshop.com of book a free call now:  https://calendly.com/chrisdeferio/30min  Want a beautiful coffee shop? All your hard surface, stone, Tile and brick needs!  www.arto.com Visit @artobrick The world loves plant based beverages and baristas love the Barista Series!  www.pacificfoodservice.com  

How is ten23 health revolutionizing biologics drug delivery and CDMO services?In this episode, we sit down with Hans-Christian Mahler, Founder and CEO of ten23 health, to break down the latest advancements in sterile fill-finish capabilities and combination product development. From prefilled syringes to large-volume subcutaneous administration, we'll look at how ten23 health is tackling the challenges of high-concentration, high-viscosity formulations. Plus, we'll dig into their unique approach to integrating formulation development, manufacturing, and testing services to support complex biologics.Key Takeaways:Industry Evolution: While advancements in drug delivery and patient convenience have progressed, many challenges persist, including slow adoption of on-body injectors and functional container innovations.Subcutaneous Administration Trends: There's a growing shift towards sub-Q administration, yet many pharmaceutical companies are hesitant to adopt these delivery methods due to concerns about volume limits, costs, and supply chain disruptions.The Role of Partnerships: Collaboration between formulation, packaging, and device companies is critical in bridging industry gaps and ensuring seamless product development.ten23 health's Mission: By integrating development, manufacturing, and testing, ten23 health provides comprehensive solutions that enhance drug delivery and patient experience while maintaining quality and compliance.Scaling and Growth: The recent expansion of ten23 health, including the launch of the Visp Valley 2 facility, represents a significant milestone in the company's journey to provide cutting-edge solutions in pharmaceutical manufacturing.Resources and Links:Learn more about ten23 health: ten23.healthConnect with ten23 health on LinkedIn: Ten23 Health LinkedInLearn more about Kymanox: kymanox.comConnect with Kymanox on LinkedIn: Kymanox LinkedInAbout ten23 health:ten23 health provides innovative solutions in sterile drug product development, manufacturing, and testing. With a strong focus on sustainability and collaboration, the company partners with pharmaceutical and biotech organizations to deliver high-quality, patient-centric therapies. Their expertise spans formulation development, fill-finish services, and analytical testing, ensuring seamless product development from early-stage R&D to commercial manufacturing.About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.Life Science Solutions is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Peter Filichia, James Marino, and Michael Portantiere talk about the Broadway production English, Dangerous Corner @ ActorsNET in Morrisville, PA, Kowalski @ The Duke on 42nd Street, Dear Jack, Dear Louise @ 59e59, Bent @ Out/Play Studio Theater, and Harry Connick Jr: A Celebration of Cole Porter @ The Metropolitan read more The post This Week on Broadway for February 2, 2025: English appeared first on BroadwayRadio.

In this episode of Life Science Solutions, Evan Edwards, President of Kymanox, explores the key trends shaping the life sciences industry in 2025. From groundbreaking advancements in cell and gene therapies to the rise of GLP-1 drugs and the essential scaling of CDMO operations, Evan highlights the innovations driving product development and commercialization. Key Takeaways:Kymanox Growth: The company is expanding its capabilities, workforce, and global footprint, now employing nearly 300 people across the U.S. and Europe.Industry Trends:Cell and Gene Therapy: Emerging targeted treatments are transforming patient outcomes and delivery methods, including potential home-based solutions.GLP-1 Drugs: These revolutionary therapies are disrupting healthcare and driving rapid market growth.Manufacturing Challenges: A rising need for capacity to meet demand for both innovative and traditional therapies.Artificial Intelligence: Kymanox is leveraging AI responsibly to enhance drug discovery, manufacturing, and regulatory processes.Strategic Focus for 2025:Doubling down on core services like product development, engineering, and regulatory strategy.Expanding into strategic services like CMC, CQV, and human factors expertise.Supporting clients in reaching critical milestones efficiently, saving time and resources.The Hypervirtual Model: Acting as a trusted co-pilot, Kymanox partners with clients of all sizes, from startups to global pharma giants, to drive innovation and commercialization.Resources and Links:Learn more about Kymanox: kymanox.comConnect with Kymanox on LinkedIn: Kymanox LinkedInAbout Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.Life Science Solutions is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Village of Morrisville, VT v. FERC

Even though General Lee surrendered his troops at Appomattox Court House April 9th, 1865, that didn't mean the war was over. On the very same day of Lee's surrender, the battle of Fort Blakeley took place where the Union took the last major Confederate port.  On April 13th-15th the last battle between Sherman and Johnston took place at the battle of Morrisville. After this battle, all hope was lost and Johnston surrenders his army to Sherman just two weeks later, which is the largest surrender of the war. We will cover the surrender in detail.  For the last battle of this episode we will go to Georgia for the battle of West Point on April 16th which is the first part of a two pronged attack. One section of the Union Army would attack West Point while another would move down to Columbia. The point of taking out West Point was to take out the river crossing there. We will cover what some say is last battle of the war next week, which is Columbia.Subscribe to our YouTube! https://www.youtube.com/@bangdangnetwork  

INTRO (00:00): Kathleen opens the show drinking an Honest Abe's Tabby American Ale from Bitchin' Kitty Brewery in Morrisville, PA and Pennsylvania Dutch Egg Nog. TOUR NEWS: See Kathleen live on her “Day Drinking Tour.”COURT NEWS (28:55): Kathleen shares news on Jelly Roll's 40th birthday, Snoop Dogg sang a duet with Sting on The Voice, Cher has an announcement regarding her next album, Dolly Parton is holding auditions for her Broadway musical, and Taylor Swift ends her ERAs Tour. TASTING MENU (6:07): Kathleen samples Unique Snacks Extra Dark Charred Splits, Zerbe's Italian Hoagie Kettle Chips, and Arooga's Awesome-On-Everything Hot Sauce. UPDATES (39:10): Kathleen shares updates on a new Buc-ee's lawsuit, and Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant is making a comeback.“HOLY SHIT THEY FOUND IT” (48:08): Kathleen is amazed to read about the discovery of a 2,000-year-old fermented fig in North Dublin, and the largest collection of Roman coins ever found is unearthed in Worcester. FRONT PAGE PUB NEWS (51:20): Kathleen shares articles on the murder of United Heathcare's CEO, Salma Hayek's French billionaire husband donates to the restoration of Notre Dame, TikTok could be banned in the US in January 2025, a group of Texas nuns are expelled by the Vatican, Virgin Voyages is now accepting Bitcoin, Air Canada introduces carry-on baggage fees, Gwyneth Paltrow's business empire nears its end, Jay-Z's pot company burns $575M in California, Australia attempts to ban social media to anyone under 16, and a Catholic nun is among 25 arrested in an Italian mob bust.WHAT WE'RE WATCHING (17:27): Kathleen recommends watching her stand-up Special “Bothering Jesus” on Netflix.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, we discuss the cornerstone of successful project management: COMMUNICATION. Join Shivali Patel as she sits down with project management experts Max Tenebaum and Natalie Hrabrick to discuss overcoming communication challenges, aligning stakeholders, and keeping teams on track. From navigating written misunderstandings to crafting effective communication workflows, this conversation is packed with actionable insights and relatable experiences. Discover: The critical role of communication in team alignment and project success Strategies for handling common breakdowns in project teams Tools and techniques to streamline collaboration and manage expectations Plus, enjoy a fun rapid-fire round and a role-play scenario showcasing real-world problem-solving in project management. Whether you're a seasoned PM or just starting out, this episode has something for everyone!About the Factor:The Factor, your trusted podcast for the life sciences industry. Join us as we tackle the essential factors that drive successful commercial products. Our team interviews industry thought leaders to explore regulatory compliance, market trends, and innovation. Stay ahead in this dynamic industry. About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.The Factor is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Whole NHP Brain Microtomy Technique- S Wessel, MS, HTL (ASCP),AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina T Marais, AskBio France, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Paris, France M Martini, PhD, PhD, AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina, M Faridounnia, PhD, MSc, AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina, D Gregorowicz, HTL (ASCP),AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina, L Haertel, HT (ASCP), AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina M Hamilton, HTL (ASCP), AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina, M Vallucci, AskBio France, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Paris, France ,S Alves, PhD, MSc, AskBio France, Paris Brain Institute (ICM), Paris, France, J Mysore, BVSc, MVSc, PhD, DACVP, AskBio, Discovery 1, Morrisville, North Carolina Preserving the integrity and conformation of capsid proteins, enzymes, and antigens while working with large tissue sections presents a “big” challenge in histology laboratories. With our Whole NHP (Non-Human Primate) Brain microtomy technique, we maintained a frozen NHP brain as a single piece while coronally sectioning through the entire cerebral hemispheres followed by cerebellum/brain stem. The brain remained frozen on a sliding microtome by utilizing a freezing stage and molds filled with powdered dry ice. As the brain was sectioned at 40um the molds were removed to uncover additional tissue for cutting until the tissue had been entirely sectioned. Serial pictures and an organized series of well plates were used to preserve anatomical order. By sectioning the brain as a whole and maintaining control over anatomical context we achieved results that may enhance the accuracy and thoroughness of histopathological examinations. Furthermore, serial sectioning of the Paraformaldehyde-fixed frozen brain preserved the antigenicity for various immunohistochemical assays. We believe this technique offered certain advantages over the routine paraffin-embedded sectioning method, especially for the biodistribution studies practiced during the developmental stage of gene therapies. 

Vinny Giglio, better known online as Vin Giggs, joins Tony for a captivating journey through the intertwined worlds of luxury cars and business success. From his early fascination with the Audi R8, inspired by Iron Man, to owning a fleet of high-end vehicles, Vinny's story is a testament to how passion can fuel entrepreneurial ambition. His adventures in the Los Angeles supercar scene opened doors to meaningful connections and new opportunities. Yet, as his collection grew, so did his focus on quality experiences over quantity, transforming his automotive pursuits into a vehicle for personal growth. Shifting gears, the conversation takes us to the heart of North Carolina, where Vinny explores the impact of real estate development. His commitment to rejuvenating downtown Morrisville reflects a dedication to quality over profit, demonstrating how passion can transform communities. Through ambitious projects and strategic partnerships, Vinny shares insights into the delicate balance of maintaining integrity while achieving business success.  Finally, the episode delves into the profound pursuit of purpose beyond mere material success. Vinny opens up about the trials and triumphs of finding fulfillment, from overcoming personal challenges to embracing new life stages. He shares touching stories that highlight the evolution of priorities and the essence of happiness. Whether revving engines or revitalizing communities, this episode serves as a reminder that true success lies in aligning passions with purpose, paving the way for a life rich in meaning and joy. Key highlights: Building Business Through Luxury Car Passion Fulfilling Purpose Through Real Estate Development Success Through Complementary Business Partnerships Passion and Purpose Behind Car Ownership Discovering Purpose Beyond Material Success Connect with Vinny Giglio: Instagram: @vingiggs Youtube: @vingiggsgarage Connect with Tony Whatley: Website: 365driven.com Instagram: @365driven Facebook: 365 Driven

In this episode of The Factor, host, Chris Adkins interviews Bill Monteith, Kymanox Executive Advisor, to discuss the art of building successful partnerships in biopharma manufacturing. With over 40 years of experience, Bill shares how aligning operations, quality, and patient focus is essential for success.From preparing CDMOs for FDA scrutiny to designing flexible Quality Management Systems (QMS) and fostering patient-first cultures, this episode provides actionable insights for navigating the complexities of biologics and advanced therapies. If you're scaling operations or managing critical partnerships, this conversation is a must-listen.About the Factor:The Factor, your trusted podcast for the life sciences industry. Join us as we tackle the essential factors that drive successful commercial products. Our team interviews industry thought leaders to explore regulatory compliance, market trends, and innovation. Stay ahead in this dynamic industry. About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.The Factor is edited and produced by Earfluence.

The 2023 AFCA Division 3 Coach of the Year, Curt Fitzpatrick joins this week's episode as we talk in-depth about his successful football career. Coach Fitzpatrick currently leads the #2 ranked team in the country- the Cortland Red Dragons. Fitzpatrick made history in 2023 becoming the first coach to lead SUNY Cortland to a national title. Curt talks about his playing career, as one of the best players to play at St. John Fisher University, and the impact this had on his coaching career. After his playing career, Fitzpatrick was the assistant at both, Utica University and St. John Fisher. 2013 would be the first head coaching job for Fitzpatrick where he spent the next seven seasons leading the Morrisville Mustangs. Under Fitzpatrick, Morrisville would have 4 winning seasons including one NJAC championship. Since taking the Cortland job in 2020, Fitzpatrick has developed Cortland into an elite program- only losing four games in the last five seasons. Cortland is picking up right where they left off last year, as they're currently ranked #3 in scoring offense, averaging over 50 points per game. Hear about his journey being apart of multiple Empire 8 teams, what the Cortaca rivalry is like, and the 2023 run to the national championship. This episode is available wherever you get your podcasts. Make sure to subscribe to the podcasts YouTube channel @Notevend2 for more sports content. Enjoy the episode! Sneak Peek- 00:00-00:56 Updates- 00:56-01:51 Intro- 01:51-04:58 Opinions about Division 3 Model (Student first?)- 04:58-09:38 Intro- 09:38-11:20 Changing Playbook for Conference Play- 11:20-12:45 Curt's Playing Career Impacting Coaching Career- 12:45-14:41 Career at St. John Fisher College, Favorite Memories at SJFC- 14:41-19:39 Early Days Coaching at SJFC and Utica University- 19:39-24:24 Building the Culture at Morrisville College, Favorite Memories at Morrisville- 24:24-28:52 Leaving Morrisville to Take Cortland HC Job- 28:52-33:14 Cortland Athletics Department Culture- 33:14-35:33 Developing Four-Vert Offensive Scheme- 35:33-39:21 Player-Coach Relationship Dynamic(s)- 39:21-43:08 Cortaca Rivalry, Best Moments- 43:08-48:27 Break- 48:27-48:35 Realization the 2023 Roster was Special- 48:35-53:54 2023 NCAA Playoff Run- 53:54-58:20 National Championship against North Central- 58:20-01:05:10 How National Championship Changes Cortland Football/Coach Fitzpatricks Career- 01:05:10-01:08:00 2024 Season so Far, Expectations for the Rest of the Season- 01:08:00-01:10:47 What Separates SUNY Cortland Apart- 01:10:47-01:14:30 Rapid Fire (Funniest Players Coached, Ranking Food in Areas Coached, Pregame Routines), Coaching Cole Burgess and JJ Laap- 01:14:30-01:20:09 Ideal Lineup as a QB- 01:20:09-01:22:03 Outro- 01:22:03-01:22:54

Listen and study up on missed questions for your chance to win $1000 every weekday at 7:50!

In this episode of The Factor, Ryan Doxey (Senior Director of Technical Services at Kymanox) and David Harrell (CEO of Helixomer) discuss the innovative potential of RNA Origami in transforming drug development and precision medicine, and the challenges faced by startups in this complex landscape.So what exactly is RNA Origami?About the Factor:The Factor, your trusted podcast for the life sciences industry. Join us as we tackle the essential factors that drive successful commercial products. Our team interviews industry thought leaders to explore regulatory compliance, market trends, and innovation. Stay ahead in this dynamic industry. About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.The Factor is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Tom Shanahan is an awarding winning writer with a 46-year career covering sports for the San Diego Union-Tribune, Voice of San Diego, freelance writing and his website, TomShanahan.Report. His three published books include The Right Thing To Do, Raye of Light, and Bubba's Dad, Duffy and College Football's Underground Railroad.Football Writers Association of America recently awarded him first place for his reporting a piece on the 1962 Rose Bowl and segregation. He won multiple San Diego Press Club sports story-of-the-year awards. He also received a distinguished American from the San Diego chapter of the National Football Foundation. He earned a Braven Dyer Award from Southern California Interscholastic Football Coaches Association. He took first place in the Copley News Service Ring of Truth Awards. He was also given a President's Award from the San Diego chapter of USA Track and Field. A sampling of where his work has appeared in includes these media outlets: Yahoo News, The Wall Street Journal, Detroit Free Press, MLB, Miami Herald, The Charlotte Observer, The Tennessean, The News & Observer, Times Union (Albany), Columbus Ledger-Enquirer, The Herald-Sun (Durham, NC), and Honolulu Star-Advertiser,  Media coverage of Raye of Light included: ESPN, Detroit Free Press, Chicago Tribune, USA Today, MSU Alumni Magazine, Dan Daly Pro Football, The State News, radio interviews with Lansing's Jack Ebling and WKAR's (East Lansing) Al Martin, and WRAL's (Raleigh, N.C.) The Adam Gold Show, 102.5 Game's Robby and Rexrode (Nashville, Tennessee) and other stations. Samples of his podcast include these: The End Game: Race and Sports - Tom Shanahan Report and Duffy Daugherty's Underground Railroad - Tom Shanahan Report. Shanahan was featured in the 2023 Sports Emmy Award-winning The Incredible Legacy of Jimmy Raye. Based on The Right Thing To Do, a four-part docuseries is being created, Game Changers of the Century, and will be produced by Bolder Spartan Media Enterprises. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he was raised in Big Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Michigan State University, with a BA in Journalism. He now resides in Morrisville, N.C. https://tomshanahan.report/Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/i-am-refocused-radio--2671113/support.

In this episode of The Factor, host Nick Schill, Senior Director of Product Development, sits down with Duane Mancini, CEO of Project MedTech, to discuss the importance of agility, strategic planning, and value creation for life science startups. Duane shares his insights on effective fundraising, the vital role of treating consultants as team members, and the need for startups to optimize marketing and value proposition in the healthcare ecosystem. He also delves into the significance of building a unique company culture and the phased approach to implementing quality management systems. This conversation is essential for MedTech professionals ready to take their idea from concept to commercialization, offering practical advice and real-world examples to navigate the complex landscape of medical technology innovation.About the Factor:The Factor, your trusted podcast for the life sciences industry. Join us as we tackle the essential factors that drive successful commercial products. Our team interviews industry thought leaders to explore regulatory compliance, market trends, and innovation. Stay ahead in this dynamic industry. About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.The Factor is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Grief is often described as a heavy weight – a weight you can feel on your shoulders, in heart, or deep in your gut. In "We Need No Wings," the new novel by author Ann Dávila Cardinal of Morrisville, a professor in her sixties weighed down by grief awakens one day with the power to levitate. It's not a metaphor – Tere Sánchez can rise into the air. This magical discovery sets Tere off on a journey to Spain to learn about her ancestors and her newfound power. The novel comes out on Sept. 10th.Cardinal is a two-time International Latino Book Award winning novelist and self described “Gringa-Rican author” and “aging tattooed punk.” She received her MFA in Writing from the Vermont College of Fine Arts.

Send us a Text Message.For this 3D InCites Podcast Extra, Françoise von Trapp traveled to Morrisville, North Carolina, to witness Foundry 2.0 in action at NHanced Semiconductors. She speaks with founder and CEO Bob Patti about his vision for the company, which is based on implementing the Foundry 2.0 business model he conceptualized.  It involves sourcing dies and chiplets from traditional foundries and applying semiconductor foundry processes and advanced packaging and assembly technologies. You'll learn:What's driving the transition to advanced packaging from traditional scalingWhy the traditional foundry model may not be the way going forwardHow Foundry 2.0 is different Françoise also takes you on an audio tour of the facility, led by Operations Director, Carl Petteway. It gets a bit noisy - but you'll feel like you're right there, and you'll learn about the tools used to perform processes like chemical mechanical polishing (CMP), photolithography, hybrid bonding, and through silicon vias. Contact Our Guests on LinkedIn:Bob Patti, CEO and Founder, NHanced SemiconductorsCarl Petteway, Operations Director, NHanced SemiconductorsLearn More: Read the story and see the photos from the tour on the 3D InCites Website.NHanced SemiconductorsThe USA's First Pure-Play Advanced Packaging Foundry - Where Innovation Meets PrecisionDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the Show.Become a sustaining member! Like what you hear? Follow us on LinkedIn and TwitterInterested in reaching a qualified audience of microelectronics industry decision-makers? Invest in host-read advertisements, and promote your company in upcoming episodes. Contact Françoise von Trapp to learn more. Interested in becoming a sponsor of the 3D InCites Podcast? Check out our 2024 Media Kit. Learn more about the 3D InCites Community and how you can become more involved.

Creating labeling claims that support business goals without getting into compliance issues can be a tough sea to navigate.Today, join Kymanox Director of Regulatory Affairs Stefanie Johns as she sits down with Crystal Weber, CEO of Group 31, in this episode on The Factor, to discuss the complexities of marketing in the highly regulated healthcare industry. From navigating FDA regulations to ensuring ADA compliance, Crystal shares invaluable insights on how biotech and pharma companies can effectively communicate their message while staying within legal boundaries. Discover why early-stage planning, strategic partnerships, and a deep understanding of regulatory nuances are crucial for success in healthcare marketing.About the Factor:The Factor, your trusted podcast for the life sciences industry. Join us as we tackle the essential factors that drive successful commercial products. Our team interviews industry thought leaders to explore regulatory compliance, market trends, and innovation. Stay ahead in this dynamic industry. About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.The Factor is edited and produced by Earfluence.

On today's podcast, Angie answers listener questions about the real estate market in the Triangle area. Find out how long homes in the Kitts Creek neighborhood in Morrisville typically stay on the market, tips for first-time homebuyers in the competitive under $400,000 range, and what to look out for when buying a home with a $1 million budget. Whether you're buying your first home or upgrading to a luxury property, Angie provides valuable insights to help you navigate the process.   Here's some of what we discuss in this episode: Mailbag: How long do homes in Kitts Creek typically stay on the market? Mailbag: How do first-time homebuyers win homes? Mailbag: What to look out for when you have a $1 million budget for buying a home.   Check out our listings: https://www.acolerealty.com/

In this episode of the BIT Tech Talk podcast, Greg is thrilled to have Andrea Parker joining us as our special guest. Andrea brings a wealth of experience as a Marketing Project Manager at Cisco Systems in Morrisville, NC, and holds the esteemed title of Certified Scrum Master. Andrea Parker is deeply involved in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. As co-president of the Connected Black Professionals Network at Cisco and a member of the Blacks in Technology-RDU Executive Board, Andrea advocates for Black excellence within her company and the wider tech community.Beyond her corporate role, Andrea co-owns "The Parker Group Consulting, LLC," a consulting firm specializing in business branding, marketing strategies, and career coaching. She is also a dynamic motivational speaker, known for her talks on resilience, relatability, and overcoming career obstacles. Originally from Halifax County, North Carolina, Andrea earned her bachelor's degree in communication & journalism from East Carolina University and a master's degree in information technology from North Carolina A&T State University. In her personal life, she finds joy in her role as a mother and wife, loves traveling, indulging in brunches with friends over bottomless mimosas, and nurturing her spiritual journey.Join us and prepare yourself to delve into a fascinating discussion with Andrea about her journey, insights into the tech industry, and her impactful contributions to diversity and inclusion initiatives. Get ready to be inspired and informed by this engaging conversation! 

Medical device design often focuses solely on clinical users, overlooking a crucial group: maintenance personnel. This oversight can lead to inefficient servicing, increased downtime, and potential safety risks. In this episode, we explore the importance of applying humanfactors principles to medical device maintenance and servicing. Our expert guest, Avital Zik from Medtronic, discusses strategies for incorporating service personnel needs into device design, creating more user-friendly maintenance processes, and improving overall devicereliability. Rita Lin, Director of HFE at Kymanox, also offers her insight from past experiences working at the FDA and in industry.Learn how considering the full lifecycle of medical devices, from installation to repair, can enhance patient safety, reduce costs, and streamline healthcare operations. Join us as we uncover the hidden world of medical device maintenance and its impact on healthcare delivery.About the Factor:The Factor, your trusted podcast for the life sciences industry. Join us as we tackle the essential factors that drive successful commercial products. Our team interviews industry thought leaders to explore regulatory compliance, market trends, and innovation. Stay ahead in this dynamic industry. About Kymanox:Kymanox has proven, collaborative, end-to-end solutions that help bring life science products to the market – and keep them there. We are a global professional services organization that supports comprehensive drug development with integrated science, engineering, compliance (e.g., QA/RA), and technical project management.  Our work across small and large molecules, medical devices, and combination products affords us a wholly unique advantage. With our diverse team of experts, Kymanox helps clients navigate commercialization challenges that arise throughout a product's life cycle – from early development to post-market – with optimized safety, quality, efficacy, and accessibility. We strive to advance life science innovation through insightful solutions and collaboration…because patients deserve better. Kymanox was founded in 2004 and is headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina USA. Kymanox is backed by WestView Capital Partners, a Boston-based growth equity firm. For more information, visit https://www.kymanox.com/.The Factor is edited and produced by Earfluence.

Welcome to another awesome episode of US Cricket Daily with your hosts Peter Della Penna and Aaman Patel! In this episode, we look at the San Francisco Unicorns victory over the LA Night Riders, discussing Finn Allen's explosive innings and the spectacular partnership with Matthew Short that left the Night Riders reeling. Plus, we'll preview the upcoming clash between Washington Freedom and Texas Super Kings in Morrisville. Can the Freedom continue their winning streak, or will the Super Kings bounce back? Join us for expert analysis, guests, and all the latest updates from Major League Cricket 2024. Email us your thoughts at hello@uscricketdaily.com Stay connected with us on YouTube, Instagram, X, TikTok, and Facebook @uscricketdaily.  US Cricket Daily is brought to you in association with Clyde Hill Publishing and its book imprints - Clyde Hill and Pulley Press - which are dedicated to founders, innovators, thinkers, and tinkerers everywhere. Pre-order our book on the rise of Major League Cricket in America at ClydeHillPublishing.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Washington Freedom star Saurabh Netravalkar talks to Nate Hays about USA's success in the World Cup, the upcoming second season of MLC, becoming a meme sensation, and MLC host communities Morrisville and Grand Prairie/Dallas. 

Thursday in Vermont has us in Morrisville. Joe Cool, Cannonball Krypto as he is known, brings us some fun songs like Dead Horse Shanty, Grandma's Chicken Soup Recipe, and Ode To The West Wind.

The fashion industry is responsible for as much as 10% of annual CO2 emissions and an immense amount of waste that chokes landfills, rivers, and beaches worldwide. Too much of our clothing is made from oil-based textiles, like polyester. Tessa Callaghan, cofounder and CEO of Keel Labs, has been recognized as a Forbes 30 Under 30 leader for her contributions to plant-based fashion. The Morrisville, North Carolina-based early-stage startup has developed a kelp-based alternative called Kelsun. According to the company, Kelsun is a compostable, soft natural fiber that can be integrated into the clothing production system with no changes. The result is clothing as comfortable and durable as those made with water-intensive cotton or oil-based textiles.After beginning her career in the fashion industry, Tessa recognized the growing demand for sustainable alternatives to clothing that's bad for the environment at every step in the lifecycle. Keel Labs converts kelp into Kelsun, and the resulting fiber is compostable at the end of its useful life, making it a potentially circular material we can be proud to wear. You can learn more about Keel Labs at https://www.keellabs.com/

Host John Solomon moderates the Association of Mature American Citizens' "Bootcamp for Boomers" event being held in Morrisville, Pennsylvania. Interviews with Former White House Press Secretary Hogan Gidley on ranked choice voting, former United States Ambassador to Denmark Carla Sands on President Joe Biden's green agenda raising energy costs and contributes to inflation, AMAC Action Senior Vice President Andy Mangione on AMAC's work with physician groups to expose pharmacy benefit managers' (PBM) anticompetitive business practices, and many more! Be sure to tune in and become an AMAC member by signing up at AMAC.US/justnews.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Just about a month from the PA primaries. Climate crisis in the headlines. Federal chaos and local right-wing movements. Yes, it's an election year. We're back to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly in state and national politics. Imagine that. Another “nail-biting' vote to prevent a government shutdown before tonight's midnight deadline. This is the dramatic sit-com version of politics that the Republicans want to keep renewing. Lots of not so good news on the climate crisis front.  Republicans wage war on electric vehicles Big Oil and Gas industry lobbyists successfully gutted new building codes that called for making new construction electric ready. Oh, and look, John Fetterman says he might vote with the Republicans.  SIxteen States are suing Biden Administration over their move to halt new exports for Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) in order to study the effects on climate, national security, and the economy. Record-setting heat hits Rio de Janeiro - a heat index of 143 degrees. Scientists can't account for the continued record-setting ocean temperatures And so much more.  The United States falls out of the top 20 happiest countries for the first time since the annual World Happiness Report began in 2012 by the United Nations. Gee. I wonder why. And young people are leading the unhappiness charge.  Several new strike votes in higher education. The Washington Post runs the bio of new Palisades School District School Board Member, Linda Wenhold. How does a local school board member get a full profile in the Washington Post? Well, apparently it helps if you take and teach classes with the Christian Nationalist Patriot Academy, advocate for your school district to teach that America's true history is a Christian nation, and argue that attempts to make schools welcoming and accessible for all kids are secret plots to Marxists and secular leftists to destroy America.  Bucks County Beacon announces it's first annual Beacon Fest to support the work of the Beacon and bring trouble-makers of all sorts together! The event will be on June 1 @ Snipes Farm in Morrisville, PA. If we want a progressive future, we need progressive media. Support pull-no-punches, homegrown progressive media today by becoming a patron of Raging Chicken for as little as $5/month. Simply go to Patreon.com/RCPress. Help keep the media in the movement and the movement in the media. Become a patron for as little as $5/month by going to Patreon.com/RCPress. Join our Discord to continue the conversation all week long: https://discord.gg/BnjRNz3u

As chief executive officer of SmartSky Networks, Dave Helfgott is responsible for the company's strategic direction and driving the completion, launch and expansion of its broadband air-to-ground network. An industry veteran of more than 20 years, Helfgott has extensive experience in airborne communications, satellite broadband, mobile telecommunications, and commercial and government SATCOM networking services. Headquartered in Morrisville, North Carolina, and an AEA member company since 2014, learn more about SmartSky from its senior leader in this episode of AEA Amplified.

Get to know Jason Gore a little bit more! In this episode, Jason covers a range of questions from our listeners—from football fun and least favorite chores to the hardest thing he's had to deal with and try to recover from. Whether you're working out, doing chores, mowing the lawn, this episode is a great listen that will bring you HOPE—and maybe a laugh or two. Timestamps:11:30 Keys to maintain a healthy marriage 15:00 Being a parent is hard 17:00 Have healthy boundaries 19:00 How do you recover from hard things? 30:30 Planning on a low income Resources:Have some questions for Jason? Email hopeinreallife@gethope.net to submit yours.  Watch George Kamel's episode here.--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast.Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

YOU can make a meaningful impact. In this episode with Bradford Mitchell, a personality of the Worship Tutorials YouTube channel, we dive deep into the topic of using your influence to positively impact others. No matter who you are, your actions and words have the power to inspire change in those around you. Timestamps:5:00 The vision of Worship Tutorials7:36 How did you gain influence?9:30 Adding value and substance11:40 Influence is leadership15:00 Know your giftings18:00 How can I influence others?19:50 With influence comes responsibility23:00 Leadership nugget: keep your mouth closed28:30 The most important quality in a leader30:30 How do we stay grounded?33:50 Work hard35:00 Be consistentResources:Worship Tutorials websiteWorship Tutorials YouTube channel:--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast.Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

Remember back to when we were younger and made new friends almost every day and it came naturally? Well, if you're like most of us, friendships are harder to form when we're adults. There are a lot of factors that can contribute to the reason forming these connections is hard. In this episode of Hope In Real Life, we have a subject matter expert, Laura McEwen, who is a mental health counselor, share another key contributor in making friends—the attachment theory.Timestamps:4:00 We need relationships4:40 Why is making friends so difficult?5:50 Attachment styles6:10 Secure attachment styles6:20 Insecure attachment styles: anxious, avoidant, disorganized9:40 Attachment style reflection12:30 You can always work to gain secure attachments13:20 Dating and attachment styles15:20 How do attachment styles affect our relationship with God?17:30 We get let down sometimes20:15 Resources on relationships, friendships, and attachment styles22:20 Be the healthiest person you can beResources:Attached: The New Science of Adult Attachment and How It Can Help You Find - and Keep - LoveHow We Love: A Revolutionary Approach to Deeper Connections in Marriage Attachment-Focused Parenting: Effective Strategies to Care for Children Anatomy of the Soul: Surprising Connections between Neuroscience and Spiritual Practices That Can Transform Your Life and Relationships Attached to God: A Practical Guide to Deeper Spiritual ExperienceGod Attachment: Why You Believe, Act, and Feel the Way You Do About GodInstagram: Julie Menanno @thesecurerelationship--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

Parenting is hard work—it's a bumpy ride at times, but you're not alone. Join us as we chat about the highs and lows, the laughter and tears, and the endless joys and challenges that come with raising the next generation with featured guest, Brian Wynn. Our wish is to bring you hope in your life and offer practical ways to help parent. We want you leave this conversation feeling encouraged. Are you struggling with parenting? Email hopeinreallife@gethope.net and we will connect you with someone at Hope.Timestamps 3:30 How do you navigate parenting and working?4:45 Communication is key5:50 Spending quality time with your kids6:30 Ask your kids questions8:00 What does success look like for your kids11:00 But I'm so busy…12:45 Taking the time to slow down13:30 What are your idols?16:00 Day of rest21:30 How do you maximum the time you have with your kids?26:00 It's okay to make mistakes27:23 There is no perfect parent--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

Barbecue is more than food! -At least in Christopher's Prieto world! Join us as we interview the successful “Pitmaster”, “Barbecue Nerd”, and owner of Prime Barbecue. We'll unpack his journey to success and his faith testimony. Whether you're seeking motivation, practical tips, or simply a dose of inspiration, this episode is for YOU! Timestamps:3:21 Why do you have a passion for barbecue? 5:20 How does my passion fit with my purpose? 8:20 Things are going good, but I need to take a step of faith with both feet in 11:30 I am my own worst enemy 13:30 How do we define success? 19:40 It's about the intentionality beyond the tray of food 22:50 Christopher's story behind his faith 27:20 How do you tell people about Jesus through barbecue? 31:25 The barbecue tour at Prime Barbecue 34:50 Scripture can pierce your heart 41:40 Leveraging your work to spread the Gospel 44:00 How can I fill my cup? 47:10 What's next for Prime Barbecue?Resources:Prime Barbecue403 Knightdale Station Run, Knightdale, NC 27545--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

Everyone wants success… But what does success look like and how do we achieve it? Join us as we have Chris Chuang, a very successful businessman that started out as an intern on Wallstreet and found success in the technology field.  In this episode, you'll find practical ways to take your first step to achieving success today. Timestamps:2:35 Chris' success in the marketplace10:55 Career journeys are unpredictable13:00 Seeing others grow is a type of success14:30 Are you experiencing BWIML: Best work in my life16:30 Focus on relationships17:45 The marketplace can be cut-throat21:00 Transactional vs. relational 21:40 Attrition is the biggest loss for any company22:00 Seasons of hard work and rest must be balanced23:45 How to handle anxiety while being in leadership25:55 Relationships over metricsResources:A Tale of 3 Kings By: Gene EdwardsMatthew 6:25-34The MartianRelay--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

It's the beginning of 2024 and that means a lot of people are being intentional and mindful of their goals. One buzz word around this time of year is “fitness”. In this episode, we have some fitness gurus, Matt Kelley and Steve Chriscoe, that share their passion of fitness through a program called F3. If you're looking for motivation, inspiration, and HOPE, this episode is for you. There's some bonus content at the end, so make sure to listen to the whole episode! 1:23  Welcome & Introductions 3:10 Steve and Matt's fitness journey 7:55 Fitness impacts every area of your life 11:30 The role of accountability in fitness 13:00 The role of discipline in fitness 16:37 What is F3? 20:15 The typical F3 workout 22:20 How F3 helps men build connections 26:23 How F3 helps men have positive impact on their communities  27:20 We were created to move 29:00 How to get started on your fitness journey 31:45 Practical Next Steps for starting your fitness journey 33:00 The F3 Name ritual 37:00 The most important thing about your fitness journey 41:09 Jason's plan for starting your fitness journey 43:09 How to get connected to F3 Resources:f3nation.comfianation.com--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

"Dry January" and healthier lifestyle choices are two of the top resolutions we hear you're making, so we asked Chris Carney, the owner of NoProof Seltzer to join us on the show. NoProof is a non-alcoholic energy drink with an orange-citrus flavor, infused with beneficial vitamins, no sugar added, and a light caffeine kick. Chris started his company when he was looking for something that was alcohol free, healthier for you to consume, and offered a caffeine boost - without the unnecessary added sugars and artificial flavors. When he couldn't find anything on the market, he found a way to create his own, and now you can enjoy the benefits and refreshing taste of NoProof Seltzer!Now, we're aware that not everyone participates in "Dry January," so we spoke with one of the co-founders of Bitchin' Kitten Brewery, Michael Crosson. Michael and his wife, Bridgette, started the brewery inspired by her Bridgette-smitten kitten (Shadow) and Michael's enthusiasm of home-brewing. After years of successfully being a home-brewer, Michael landed an apprenticeship at Tindall Road Brewery to gain more experience and knowledge of brewing on a larger scale, and in October of 2021 they opened the doors to their brewpub in Morrisville, PA!Some people like beverages, others have a hankering for something sweet which is why we spoke with Jenny Gardner who owns Philly Waffle Cabin! What is Philly Waffle Cabin? Well, it's one of those delightful joys where you'll smell the tantalizing scent of freshly-made Belgian waffles in the air before you find where the fully mobile version of the Waffle House Cabin franchise is located at. Born from the slopes, this skier-friendly treat can now be wherever you would like! So, if you're familiar with the tasty treats then you already know why you'd want to seek some out--but if you're not, then let us introduce you to Philly Waffle Cabin and why they're so sought-after on (and now off) the slopes!

We all experience pain and hurt...How can we be resilient when bad things happen? Listen to this episode featuring our friend, Leonce Crump, as we unpack the topic of resilience. If you've struggled with something difficult and have been or is currently going through a hard season, this. is. for. YOU. Listen now—this episode is sure to bring you hope in your every day life.  2:18 What is resilience? 5:00 Nelson Mandela quote 6:30 Hardest years of life 7:15 Church trauma 9:00 Recalibrating 12:10 Bailing when it gets hard 14:45 Life stages 16:30 Don't quit in the middle 23:30 Facing resistance 25:00 Fragility 27:00 How do I not give up? Resources:The Resilience Factor --Purchase on Amazon and leave a review:https://www.amazon.com/Resilience-Factor-Step-Step-Unbreakable/dp/1514005689/ref=asc_df_1514005689/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=652428941998&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=10991855102580623064&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9009731&hvtargid=pla-2057565252447&psc=1Want to talk with a pastor? Email hopeinreallife@gethope.net and we will connect you with a pastor from Hope Community Church to walk with you through whatever you're experiencing. You are not alone. --Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

Finances doesn't have to be an uncomfortable conversation! Join us and our featured guest, George Kamel as we unpack the topic of money management. George Kamel is a Ramsey personality and has a book, Breaking Free from Broke, releasing on January 16, 2023. Be sure to tune in to the whole episode to learn more about the signed book giveaway! Link to preorder his book is in the show notes below. 1:20 Breaking Free from Broke 2:00 What is money management? 2:20 Debt management 3:30 Money culture 4:30 Debt snowball 5:00 Credit scores 5:50 Manual underwriting 6:50 Money clip 8:20 Good first step 8:40 Marital tension 9:35 Financial infidelity 10:30 Budgeting 11:00 Every Dollar app 13:50 Entre Leadership 17:45 Kamel's book 19:15 America is #1 in debt 20:20 You can choose Hope 23:56 Book giveaway 24:30 Q+AResources:Get your copy of Breaking Free From Broke hereLearn more about the Every Dollar app--Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.

In this episode of Hope In Real Life with guest, Ben Foote, we're breaking down the barriers and stigma of the buzz word, deconstruction. Whether you're personally going through a season of doubt, or you know of someone that's questioning, this episode will share enlightening insights and personal stories to help you navigate this topic of deconstruction.  3:15 Deconstruction of faith 4:10 Separating Jesus from religion 4:45 Leaving the church 5:15 Faith 8:45 Pressure from the world 12:30 The “why” behind deconstruction 16:30 Deconstructing is faith 17:00 Where did Jesus ask for blind faith? --Join us for Christmas Services at Hope Community Church: http://gethope.net/christmas.Watch this episode on YouTube here.Subscribe to our YouTube channel.Check out our website for more resources and information about the Hope In Real Life Podcast. Do you have follow-up questions after listening to this episode? Send them to: hopeinreallife@gethope.net.