HarmonyTALK: Recent Episodes
Foundation for Harmony Presents
HarmonyTALK is a podcast about dreamers and doers conversations with people from all walks of life: inventors and authors, artists and entrepreneurs, people who have followed through on their dreams and want to talk about it... to us.
Dive into the rich history of jazz with Loren Schoenberg, Grammy Award-winning saxophonist, conductor, and senior scholar at the National Jazz Museum in Harlem. In this HarmonyTALK episode, Loren chats with host Lisa Champeau about his experiences performing with jazz legends, his work preserving American jazz history, and his journey as a respected educator at institutions like Juilliard and the Manhattan School of Music.
If you’ve ever had an interest in the inside look at the career of a multi-faceted musician, this episode uncovers the stories, sounds, and cultural impact of jazz music and offers unique insights into Loren's career, dedication, and passion for the genre.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
Follow Host, Lisa Champeau:
https://www.instagram.com/lisachampeau/
Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stephens sits down with dynamic content creator and food influencer, Gabby Eniclerico. Based in Washington, DC, Gabby has made a name for herself by discovering hidden culinary gems and sharing diverse food experiences that have sparked viral trends on TikTok.
With features in major outlets like Buzzfeed, the Washingtonian, and The Today Show, Gabby has become a go-to voice for food lovers and adventurers alike. Tune in as they discuss Gabby’s rise in the digital space, her passion for travel, and how social media is reshaping how we explore food, culture, and society.
Key Takeaways:
- The Power of Authenticity in Content Creation – Gabby shares how being true to herself and her passions has helped her build an engaged community and spark viral food trends on social media.
- Exploring Cultures Through Food – Gabby discusses the importance of experiencing new cultures through their cuisines and how travel has shaped her content and broadened her culinary horizons.
- Navigating Social Media as a Young Creator – Gabby opens up about the challenges and rewards of growing up in the age of social media, offering insights into the evolving landscape of digital platforms and youth influence.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
Follow Host, Todd Stephens:
https://www.instagram.com/workinman1/
Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of HarmonyTALK, we sit down with Gene Monahan, the legendary New York Yankees athletic trainer who dedicated over 50 years of his career to Major League Baseball. From his early days as a young dreamer with a passion for baseball, Gene's journey led him to the pinnacle of professional sports, helping world-class athletes perform at their best.
As the Yankees’ head athletic trainer for four decades, join us as we explore Gene’s inspiring path to becoming an integral part of a championship team. Whether you're a sports fan or simply love stories of perseverance and passion, this episode is sure to inspire!
Key Takeaways:
- Gene’s path to becoming a Major League Baseball trainer
- The behind-the-scenes stories from working with legendary Yankees players and coaches
- The importance of resilience and dedication in pursuing a dream
- The lessons learned along the way
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://www.harmonytalkpodcast.com/signup
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
Follow Host, Greg Frigoletto:
https://www.instagram.com/gjfrig7/
Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this heartfelt episode of HarmonyTALK, host Todd Stevens sits down with Mitch Motivates, author of “My Addiction, My Superpower.” Mitch opens up about his early struggles with substance abuse and the turning point that led him to a life of sobriety and purpose.
In 2006, one week shy of his 19th birthday, Mitch Leff found himself in rehab for drug addiction. After spending time in rehab, halfway houses, and collegiate recovery programs, he moved to New York and made something special of his life.
He started ‘Mitch Motivates’ after noticing the need for experienced, independent experts in the recovery community. He has been in recovery since 2006 when he was only 19 years old. For over 17 years, Mitch has been a leader and expert in addiction, recovery, sobriety, and mental health.
In his book “My Addiction, My Superpower,” Mitch shares his recovery journey in detail, in which he reveals the lessons he learned and breaks them down into twelve easy tips for anyone who has been impacted by addiction, mental health, or substance abuse.
Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, the power of vulnerability, and using personal pain to fuel your life’s mission.
Key Takeaways:
- Mitch's journey from a straight-laced New Jersey kid to battling substance abuse by age 19
- How Mitch turned his addiction into a strength, fueling his drive to help others
- Insight into the importance of vulnerability and embracing struggles to find strength
Follow Mitch Leff:
Check out his book, “My Addiction, My Superpower” - https://shorturl.at/AR0zJ
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mitchmotivates/?hl=en
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mitchmotivates
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitchleff/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ThatSoberGuyPodcast
https://mitchmotivates.com/
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
Follow Host, Todd Stephens:
https://www.instagram.com/workinman1/
Email harmonytalkpodcast@gmail.com for sponsorship and guest opportunities!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Neil Genzlinger, writer at the New York Times sits down with Lisa Champeau to discuss writing obituaries, how he got his start in storytelling ,and his event Firelight: An Evening of Storytelling in the Woods at Harmony In The Woods.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Bob Eckstein, an award-winning writer, illustrator, and cartoonist, discusses his latest book, 'Footnotes from the World's Greatest Museums.' He shares his motivation for delving into museums and highlights the diverse range of museums featured in the book. Bob emphasizes the user-friendly nature of the book, catering to a wide audience beyond art lovers. He also talks about the power of art to move and inspire, sharing personal experiences from his visits to museums. Bob reflects on his career as a cartoonist and the challenges he faced, as well as his passion for writing and teaching.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Host Lisa Champeau talks to Mark Hoover, former and longtime CEO of the Human Resources Center, a Northeast Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides services for adults with physical and mental challenges. Mark talks about helping young people who were languishing in front of their TV sets for 15 years or more because there was no place for them to go and ultimately, creating a Foundation to make sure there were would always be somewhere for adults with special needs to live and work in his community.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Praised for its authentic, soulful, and orchestral sound, The String Queens is a dynamic trio that creates stimulating musical experiences that inspire audiences to love, hope, feel and imagine! With an array of repertoire spanning from the Baroque era to the Jazz Age to today’s Billboard Hot 100 Chart, TSQ performs versatile programs that take the listeners on a rousing musical journey through time and a multitude of musical genres. In this episode, hear Kendall Isadore (violin), Élise Sharp (cello) and Dawn Johnson (viola) speak with Greg Frigoletto about their fascinating journey from their day jobs as educators to world-class performers. These “school teachers by day and concert performers by night” have graced the stages of renowned venues such as Carnegie Hall, the Hollywood Bowl, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. The String Queens episode of HarmonyTALK is sure to educate, motivate and inspire its listeners!
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Join us on this captivating episode of HarmonyTALK Podcast hosted by Lisa Champeau as we delve into the fascinating world of "Lover's Eyes" with Nan and David Skier, a remarkable couple from Birmingham, Alabama. Dr. David, a retired ophthalmologist, and his wife Nan have spent the past two decades amassing an extraordinary collection of these unique and historical artworks.
Lover's Eyes are miniature portraits featuring disembodied eyes, meticulously painted on ivory and often surrounded by intricate frames. Originating in Europe around the 1800s, these intimate pieces were typically commissioned to commemorate a secret love or a deep, personal bond, often with the identity of the sitter remaining a mystery.
In this episode, Nan and David share the story behind their collection, which began with David's professional fascination with the human eye and evolved into a passionate quest to preserve these delicate mementos of affection and intrigue. With around 100 pieces in their possession, discover how these tiny works of art have become a bridge between the past and the present, and how the Skiers' dedication has brought to light a little-known yet profoundly touching aspect of art history.
Whether you're an art enthusiast, a history buff, or simply curious about the unusual, this episode is for you. Nan and David Skier will discuss their journey, their collection, and the timeless allure of Lover's Eyes.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau interviews Erin Hill, a singer-songwriter-harpist with a diverse repertoire that covers everything from opera to science fiction! Erin’s favorite, though, is pop-rock. Hear her music and how she realized her dream of becoming a renowned harpist.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Everyone has a dream. For many young boys, the dream is to become a major league
baseball player. Years back, this was especially true for a little boy growing up in
Tacoma, Washington. Harmony Talk is honored to share the story of the journey of
legendary third baseman, Ron Cey. Known to many as “the Penguin”, Ron played 16
seasons in Major League Baseball. Although best known for covering the “hot corner”
for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Ron also played for the Chicago Cubs and Oakland
Athletics. He was a six-time All-Star, had over 300 career home runs, was World
Series Champ and Word Series MVP. Cey at third base, Bill Russel at shortstop, Davey
Lopes at second base and Steve Garvey at first base lasted for nearly nine seasons for
the Los Angeles Dodgers. This remarkable feat is a celebrated piece of baseball history
that hasn’t been matched since and may never be again.
Throughout Ron’s journey from dreaming to doing there were many lessons learned
and many interesting encounters along the way. From growing up as boy chasing a
dream and the struggles that go along with that to making it to the big leagues and
playing under legends like Tommy Lasorda, Ron has an incredible story to tell.
In this episode, hear Ron in a memorable conversation with host Greg Frigoletto, as
they discuss the story of the little boy from Tacoma who became the author, podcaster
and celebrity that he is today. Check out Ron’s podcast, the Ron Cey Show as well as
his book, an autobiography titled Penguin Power…a book about Dodger Blue,
Hollywood Lights and Ron’s One-In-A-Million Big League Journey.
Ron currently lives in in Woodland Hills, CA with his wife Fran. They were married in
1971 and have two children, Daniel and Amanda.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lisa Champeau chats with Blake Friedman, a young dynamic opera tenor who is equally at home on the musical and concert stages as in the opera hall. Blake shares his enthusiasm for everything from the Barber of Seville and Placido Domingo to the voice of late pop singer Whitney Houston. Blake performs opera and Broadway pieces in “Songs of New York” May 7th at the Milford Theatre, Pennsylvania-- a Harmony in the Woods production.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He has one of the most iconic voices in Philadelphia sports history. On August 17, 1994, Marc Zumoff was named the television voice of the Philadelphia 76ers, fulfilling his childhood dream. His career spanned four decades and includes covering the Rio Olympics in 2016 for NBC, assorted assignments for Turner Sports, NBA-TV, the Philadelphia Flyers, Philadelphia Union and various other pro, college and high school events. He’s also been an anchor, producer and reporter and spent the first five years of his career as a radio newsperson.
In this episode, “Zoo” talks candidly with Todd Stephens about catching the bug for broadcasting as a sixth-grader growing up in Northeast Philadelphia. He recalls practicing play-by-play announcing with his tape recorder and being driven by his passion to make it as a broadcaster.
As a 19-time Emmy Award Winner, he is also one of the most decorated broadcasters in Philadelphia history having been named The National Sports Media Association’s Pennsylvania Sportscaster of the Year three times, the Bill Campbell Award from the Philadelphia Sportswriters Association, and the 2022 recipient of The Pennsylvania Association of Broadcasters highest award of distinction, the Gold Medal. He is also a member of the Temple University School of Media and Communications Hall of Fame, the Broadcast Pioneers of Philadelphia Hall of Fame, and the Philadelphia Jewish Sports Hall of Fame.
Marc currently serves as the associate director of the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media at his alma mater, Temple University. He is the co-author of the textbook Total Sports Media. And he is working with Maccabi USA as the chairman of Maccabi Media, aprogram which sends more than a dozen aspiring sports media professionals to cover the Maccabiah in Israel, South America and Europe.
Marc lives at the Jersey Shore with his wife of 40 years, Debbie. They are the parents of two adult sons.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK chats with its first inventor! Keith Gunuskey, an educator, just received his first patent for a safety device designed to save lives in emergencies. All the tools you might need in one convenient location. Listen in!
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Robert May (Producer/Director/Writer) is a producer of independent films whose
projects have collectively garnered over 40 awards including the Oscar, Bafta,
Independent Spirit Award and Human Rights Award, to name a few.
May produced The Station Agent, directed by then first-time director Tom McCarthy, which starred Peter Dinklage, Patricia Clarkson and Bobby Cannavale, The Fog of War (ErrolMorris), Stevie (Steve James), The War Tapes (Deborah Scranton), and Bonneville (Chris Rowley), starring Jessica Lange and Kathy Bates. In 2014, May’s directorial debut was released, the documentary Kids for Cash, a film about greed, corruption and kids, which he also wrote and produced. Quotes like “Riveting,” “Shocking,” and “Gifted Storyteller” have been used to describe the film from the likes of The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter and Variety.
May’s projects have been distributed by Miramax, Sony, Lions Gate, 20th Century Fox, and Comcast/Universal. May’s nonfiction project, Lust for Gold, about obsession, the human condition, and the hunt for gold, was released by Kino Lorber in June 2021. May is currently in production on a currently
untitled nonfiction series.
May’s responsibilities included all aspects of creative development, production and
post-production, inclusive of writing, editing, finance and budget management.
FOLLOW HARMONYTALK PODCAST @harmonytalkpodcast
Join Our Mailing List: https://mailchi.mp/fa5d124c4e19/harmonytalk-mailing-list
Instagram: https://instagram.com/harmonytalkpodcast
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/harmonytalkpodcast
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@HarmonyTALKPodcast
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/harmonytalkpodcast
https://harmonytalkpodcast.com/
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK takes a look inside Dear Highlights with author Christine French Cully. Hear what kids have to say over the past 75 years-- you may be surprised!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Earth Day 2024 is upon us! With it comes the ever-present dream of making the Earth a better place. The Pocono Environmental Education Center – or PEEC—has a rich history of working with and for nature. A former honeymoon resort, PEEC uses the architectural remains for sustainable exhibitions such as a beaver lodge in a former indoor swimming pool. PEEC is one of only a handful of educational camps actually housed inside a national park. Host Lisa Champeau talks with Kelly Daly, Marc Gold and Joy Karnas, PhD, about how they got involved with PEEC and how PEEC programs aim to raise awareness about the natural world and how we can all make the Earth a better place --free of pollution, climate change and waste.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Juan Espino marries architecture, history and the human experience to create some of the most “smile-inducing” paintings of our time. Working in the “Art Naïve” or, Folk-Art style. Guest Host Todd Stephens, and Juan discuss his use of painting as a form of therapy before relocating to the United States from his native Mexico. He is now the owner of Looking Glass Art Gallery, in Northeast Pennsylvania. www.lookingglassartgallery.com.
Find Todd Stephens at:
@toddjstephens (Twitter)
@tjstephens (LinkedIn)
@workinman1 (Instagram)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As spring approaches, a group of community-minded art lovers in and around Hawley, Pennsylvania, prepares to launch a vibrant initiative: Paint the Town. Hawley is the hometown of Lake Wallenpaupack, Pennsylvania’s third largest man-made lake and a huge tourist destination. Paint the Town is designed to brighten up the streets and entice visitors to check out all the small borough has to offer. Host Lisa Champeau talks to Janet Gaglione and Kate Hayes about the influence of public art on a town’s economy—and quality of life.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
His life’s work is focused on “creating better humans” through his involvement in the children’s summer camp industry. Hear entrepreneur and philanthropist, Skip Vichness, talk about how his diverse life, career path and willingness to be completely involved, have led him to the service of others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Jim Weiss has evolved Real Chemistry from a one-person consultancy into an international leader in health innovation. Currently, he serves as Chairman and Founder and as Executive Advisor to New Mountain Capital, Real Chemistry’s investment partner. Jim is a healthcare, biopharma, medical tech entrepreneur, business leader, and digital health pioneer. He’s been named a Top 50 Health Influencer and Innovator of the Year. Last year, he received the Trailblazer Lifetime Achievement Award.
His affable curiosity began in our hometown of Honesdale, Pennsylvania, and was furthered at his alma mater, Syracuse University, where he was inducted into the Newhouse School’s 50 Forward as one of its most accomplished graduates of the last 50 years. Jim and his wife Audra also founded the Weiss Center for Social Commerce at S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications. In this episode, Jim talks with Todd Stephens about taking the leap from big pharma to launching a start-up. He recounts his early days becoming the leader that, perhaps, no one saw coming. He also touches on the next phase of his career. Through it all, Jim says his commitment to family and giving back kept him grounded. Still, he dispels the myth of work-life balance. He believes the pursuit of “downtime” and "work time" will usually merge. When he's not working, he loves to watch his Northern California teams and listen to The Grateful Dead or see Dead and Co. live! Jim resides with his wife and two children in the Bay Area.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In honor of Black History Month, we revisit Greg Frigoletto’s conversation with Glynis Johns, the Founder of the Black Scranton Project.
Growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Glynis Johns dreamed of one day moving to New York City to explore the arts, fashion and to further her education. While attending St. John’s University and establishing herself as a Brooklynite, Glynis found her calling and her passion. In this episode, Glynis speaks with Greg Frigoletto about her fascinating journey from dreaming to doing, becoming the founder and CEO of the Black Scranton Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, local heritage initiative, and public history venture dedicated to archiving and celebrating the Black history of Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It started with a stamp from the Belgian Congo and took Professor Ed Williams around the world—along with hundreds of students, older adults, and college deans. “It” is the retired professor’s passion for travel, and not just any travel. Learning Vacations. Ed shares his journey with host Lisa Champeau on how he made a career of travel education with a focus on China, the “sleeping giant” who sleeps no more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Author Amy Ferris has just published a new memoir that lives up to its title-- Mighty Gorgeous, a Little Book About Messy Love.” From her home in northeastern Pennsylvania, Amy chats with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau about everything from dropping out of high school at age 15 to being nominated for a big award in Hollywood. But most significantly, Amy talks from the heart about how important it is to embrace who you are and how you got there.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Bohlin, the architect behind many iconic structures, including the Apple store on 5th Avenue in New York, the Barn at Fallingwater and Bill Gates’ Seattle-area mansion, talks to host Lisa Champeau about creating works that are not only sustainable but “humane.” Find out how Peter Bohlin followed his calling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Growing up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Glynis Johns dreamed of one day moving to New York City to explore the arts, fashion and to further her education. While attending St. John’s University and establishing herself as a Brooklynite, Glynis found her calling and her passion. In this episode, Glynis speaks with Greg Frigoletto about her fascinating journey from dreaming to doing, becoming the founder and CEO of the Black Scranton Project, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, local heritage initiative, and public history venture dedicated to archiving and celebrating the Black history of Scranton and Northeastern Pennsylvania.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lisa Champeau interviews Dreamer, Entrepreneur and Choreographer Rebecca Davis. Learn how she turned her passion for dance into a globe-spanning tool for social change.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A medical visionary with the soul of an artist, Dr. Melvyn Wolk has made his mark on humanity. In this episode he talks with Todd Stephens about his lifelong desire to make going to the doctor more “fun” for kids. He also shares how working in a junk yard as a young boy may have inspired his fascination with “found object” art and ignited his love of photography. Gifted with a passion for dreaming and doing, Dr. Wolk introduces his latest project, an interactive children’s book called “The Illphabet”, which helps kids learn and understand the alphabet and their health.
Listen here or watch this episode on streaming video at: https://youtu.be/ogMVAzKUZpY?si=LweJ-kIWkL-7W2s0
To see Dr. Wolk’s artistic work visit melwolkstudio.com.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Congratulations to Celeste Mergens, founder of the global nonprofit Days for Girls International, on the publication of her new book, The Power of Days. Mergens’ programs to fight menstrual stigma can now be found in 140+ countries. She spoke with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau in 2022 about her own journey from an impoverished youth to crusader for women’s rights. Her new book, released October 3, 2023, has many poignant—sometimes painful but always moving—stories of struggle and resilience. Celeste and Lisa are joined by Olivia Scartelli, a post-graduate student at the time, who works today for the U.S. Agency for International Development. She helps customize financing solutions for projects in developing countries – including improving women’s access to finance. For more info on Days for Girls, visit www.daysforgirls.org.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After a concussion in training camp ended his dreams of playing for the New York Jets, Russ Cooke found himself pumping gas in his home town. In this episode he talks with Todd Stephens about his unlikely transition from the locker room to the board room. Today he’s focused on the mental health and wellbeing of student athletes who face increasing rates of anxiety and depression, through his work with NDUR for Athletes.
https://ndurforathletes.health
https://www.linkedin.com/in/russ-cooke-0883b014/
Instagram: @russellcooke73
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He's a businessman and a grandfather, she's a spirited young artist and mother. Different, yes, but with a shared passion. Henry Skier and Jill Carletti chat with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau about how they came together to grow Harmony Presents from a small performance space in an old silk mill to a successful, sophisticated yet rustic outdoor performance venue in Hawley, Pennsylvania, called Harmony in the Woods.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Brian Balthazar is a TV personality and executive producer who has built a career creating, producing, and appearing on some of the country’s most popular networks and programs.
Brian has amassed more than 300 appearances as a television host, journalist, and pop culture guest on a variety of shows including The TODAY show, The Talk, Good Morning America, and more. This is a great peek behind the curtain from an entertainment professional who took a dream and made it into a successful career in television!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well-known portrait artist Oliver Johnson sat down with Lisa Champeau to discuss his art and tumultuous youth in and out of reform schools and prisons, and how during these confinements he always painted. Prison provided him with the tools he needed: canvas, paint, and, of course, plenty of time. Oliver talks about his journey of teaching art to his fellow inmates, and how, by the time he was paroled, he had a waiting line to attend his classes. Since Oliver Johnson’s untimely death due to illness in 2021, shortly after this interview, his name and his work have reached new heights, his passion forever remembered in his art. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/harmonytalk/id1573509159?i=1000533117818
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Isabel Bohn and Jeff McGinnis founded the Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports to fill a gap in available recreation and sports activities for the disabled on the East Coast. Thirty-five years and mountains of challenges later, they are thriving. The Center has produced 11 Paralympians, but more than that, it’s “really changed people in so many positive ways” and built a flourishing community of inclusivity and possibility.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Funky bluesy riffs—a Southern pace out of a New York base! The Gold Magnolias talk with Lisa Champeau about how their dream to make music became a “golden” reality. Based in Brooklyn, Daniel Foose, Hudson Mueller, Evan Felts, Ryan Anselmi and Jeff Barton evoke jam-band sounds reminiscent of the Alabama Shakes and Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats. Their melodies pay homage to their musical heroes, including Willie Nelson, the Allman Brothers and Stevie Wonder. This interview first aired in June of 2021. The band performs live on the Harmony in the Woods stage in Hawley, Pennsylvania on August 19th, 2023.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Carpenter turned brew master! Travis Rivera, the founder of Black and Brass Coffee Roasting Company, talks to host Lisa Champeau about the fast-rising success of his brand from one store to a national business. Travis shares why he almost but didn’t give up when the going got rough and a little secret about his tv appearance on a reality show.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Pete Muller, singer-songwriter and founder of the Kindred Souls, talks to host Lisa Champeau about his successful careers in music, mathematics— and crossword puzzles! A quantitative math wizard and Wall Street hedge fund executive before forming his band, Muller’s songs and melodies reflect his life and passions. Since this interview was recorded in September, 2021, Muller has dropped two albums, Spaces and a covers album Hello Outside. Pete Muller and the Kindred Souls return to the Harmony in the Woods stage in Hawley, Pennsylvania on July 14, 2023.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
His life’s work is focused on “creating better humans” through his involvement in the children’s summer camp industry. Hear entrepreneur and philanthropist, Skip Vichness, talk about how his diverse life, career path and willingness to be completely involved, have led him to the service of others.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Juan Espino marries architecture, history and the human experience to create some of the most “smile-inducing” paintings of our time. Working in the “Art Naïve” or, Folk-Art style. Guest Host Todd Stephens, and Juan discuss his use of painting as a form of therapy before relocating to the United States from his native Mexico. He is now the owner of Looking Glass Art Gallery, in Northeast Pennsylvania. www.lookingglassartgallery.com.
Find Todd Stephens at:
@toddjstephens (Twitter)
@tjstephens (LinkedIn)
@workinman1 (Instagram)
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It started with a stamp from the Belgian Congo and took Professor Ed Williams around the world—along with hundreds of students, older adults, and college deans. “It” is the retired professor’s passion for travel, and not just any travel. Learning Vacations. Ed shares his journey with host Lisa Champeau on how he made a career of travel education with a focus on China, the “sleeping giant” who sleeps no more.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Peter Bohlin, the architect behind many iconic structures, including the Apple store on 5th Avenue in New York, the Barn at Fallingwater and Bill Gates’ Seattle-area mansion, talks to host Lisa Champeau about creating works that are not only sustainable but “humane.” Find out how Peter Bohlin followed his calling.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
He's a businessman and a grandfather, she's a spirited young artist and mother. Different, yes, but with a shared passion. Henry Skier and Jill Carletti chat with Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau about how they came together to grow Harmony Presents from a small performance space in an old silk mill to a successful, sophisticated yet rustic outdoor performance venue in Hawley, Pennsylvania, called Harmony in the Woods.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK chats with its first inventor! Keith Gunuskey, an educator, just received his first patent for a safety device designed to save lives in emergencies. All the tools you might need in one convenient location. Listen in!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lisa Champeau chats with Blake Friedman, a young dynamic opera tenor who is equally at home on the musical and concert stages as in the opera hall. Blake shares his enthusiasm for everything from the Barber of Seville and Placido Domingo to the voice of late pop singer Whitney Houston. Blake performs opera and Broadway pieces in “Songs of New York” May 7th at the Milford Theatre, Pennsylvania-- a Harmony in the Woods production.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau chats with social impact entrepreneur Jeff Abella, who co-founded a bar-to-bean chocolate and coffee business called Moka Origins. Hear Jeff reveal how his team helps farmers and the environment in developing countries and somehow gets all the cacao and coffee beans across oceans to the U.S. to roast, package and sell. A small company up against Big Chocolate and doing pretty well!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Days for Girls founder Celeste Mergens talks with host Lisa Champeau about how she has been able to help girls around the world fight the stigma of menstruation-- menstruation inequity-- by tapping into her own impoverished youth and refusing to take no for an answer. She is joined by Olivia Scartelli, a young woman just out of grad school in international development, who helped raise funds for Days for Girls and shares Celeste’s passion.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK takes a look inside Dear Highlights with author Christine French Cully. Hear what kids have to say over the past 75 years-- you may be surprised!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Harmony TALK host Lisa Champeau interviews Erin Hill, a singer-songwriter-harpist with a diverse repertoire that covers everything from opera to science fiction! Erin’s favorite, though, is pop-rock. Hear her music and how she realized her dream of becoming a renowned harpist.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Host Lisa Champeau talks to Mark Hoover, former and longtime CEO of the Human Resources Center, a Northeast Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that provides services for adults with physical and mental challenges. Mark talks about helping young people who were languishing in front of their TV sets for 15 years or more because there was no place for them to go and ultimately, creating a Foundation to make sure there were would always be somewhere for adults with special needs to live and work in his community.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Singer-songwriter Pete Muller shares the creative process behind his melodies—and his math-- with host Lisa Champeau. Pete is not only a musician, but also a successful quantitative hedge fund exec and founder of a quant investment firm. He talks about forming his band, the Kindred Souls, traveling with his late mother to her homeland in Brazil and how he almost made it to the Olympics by playing piano. Listen to his story and his songs-- and enjoy!
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Well-known portrait artist Oliver Johnson sits down with Lisa Champeau to discuss his art and tumultuous youth in and out of reform schools and prisons, and how during these confinements he always painted. Prison provided him with the tools he needed: Canvas, paint, and, of course, plenty of time. Oliver talks about his journey of teaching art to his fellow inmates, and how, by the time he was paroled, he had a waiting line to attend his classes.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Neil Genzlinger, writer at the New York Times sits down with Lisa Champeau to discuss writing obituaries, how he got his start in storytelling ,and his event Firelight: An Evening of Storytelling in the Woods at Harmony In The Woods.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Lisa Champeau interviews Dreamer, Entrepreneur and Choreographer Rebecca Davis. Learn how she turned her passion for dance into a globe-spanning tool for social change.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this pilot episode of HarmonyTALK, Lisa Champeau interviews the band opening the first season of Harmony in the Woods: The Gold Magnolias. They talk about their southern roots, their New York City dreams and the magic of performing.
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.