The West Hartford aka Experience WeHa Podcast: Recent Episodes
Ryan Keating
Annually voted as one of the top places to live in America, tune in to the journey of what makes West Hartford tick as Jeff Lovanio, a father of two elementary school daughters & locally raised now returned millenial Ryan Keating, take you through the converstations with favorite local restaurateurs, business owners, non-profits, creators, artists, entrepreneurs, town leaders and everyone in-between as we get to know the story behind the people that make the West Hartford and the Greater Hartford community. This podcast was brought to you by Keating Agency Insurance
recorded Feb 2020 - Important issues need to be advanced at the State Capitol and West Hartford’s own, Derek Slap, is at the forefront fighting for the rights of contingents in our state! From age discrimination to gender pay equity to the rights of college athletes, Derek works tirelessly to help improve issues that matter to people in our state. Ryan and I had a chance to learn more about Derek’s life as a state senator, vice president of Advancement at The Village for Children and Families, and as a father.
Follow State Sen., Derek Slap HERE
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
1:45 – About Derek and his work as State Senator
5:00 – Derek’s work/life outside of politics
6:30 – Age discrimination in the workplace
12:30 – Switching gears to our youth and communication
15:25 – Policymaking, legislation and “Slap Chats”
24:20 – The most rewarding part of Derek’s role as State Senator – Working across the aisle
30:30 – Youth in politics
31:45 – Derek’s favorite We-Ha dish
Another West Hartford small business success story! Annisa Teich of West Hartford Coworking takes a great concept and business model started in West Hartford Center and now located on New Park Avenue to the next level which allows remote workers and entrepreneurs a space to work, create and collaborate. Hear Annisa’s story and find out more about West Hartford Coworking HERE and make sure to follow on Facebook.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro/Annisa Teich
2:11 – How co-working works
4:00 – The evolution of West Hartford Coworking
9:15 – A flexible space for every need
13:00 – More than just a space to work – free events
15:55 – Launch your podcast in the Creator Space
18:15 – How Annisa balances it all
21:20 – The future of West Hartford Coworking and being the brand
33:15 – How to find out more about West Hartford Coworking
34:40 – Annisa’s favorite We-Ha dish
You might think you’re “all set” because you have adequate coverage on your auto and home policies but you might want to take a second look. For over 50 years, Keating Agency Insurance has been serving the insurance needs of the local community. Mike Keating and our very own Experience We-Ha Podcast co-host, Ryan Keating share their vast knowledge of what you need to consider when purchasing a new policy or updating your existing to ensure you have the right coverage.
Get your free policy review from Keating Agency Insurance by clicking HERE and make sure to follow on Facebook and Instagram
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
3:15 – About Keating Agency
5:40 – Red flags on your auto insurance
10:34 – Top things to look for on your auto insurance policy
13:00 – Grab an umbrella
16:25 – Know what IS and what IS NOT covered on your homeowner’s policy
25:15 – New technology trends in insurance
28:30 – Insurance for businesses
32:50 – Insuring your pet … Is it worth it and what to consider?
35:50 – Changes in the insurance industry to benefit younger consumers
39:25 – Mike & Ryan’s favorite We-Ha dish
The Hartford Foundation for Public Giving has established the West Hartford Community Fund, currently a $100,000 fund to help empower residents to make the community a better place, encourage broad civic engagement, and anchor the fund in the community of West Hartford.
Ryan Keating flies solo in this week’s Experience We-Ha Podcast as he talks to Megan Burke, Jim Veneman, and Yukiyo Iida about how the fund works, the committee selection process, the purpose of the fund, and how it will benefit West Hartford.
You can find out more about the Fund at a presentation on March 8, from 3-4 p.m., at the Noah Webster Library, or read more HERE on We-Ha.com.
Click here for more information from the Foundation’s website.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro/About the West Hartford Community Fund
3:04 – Selection committee process
10:04 – Grant awards
12:00 – How the fund works and the secret donor
16:45 – Find out more
18:12 – About the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving
One of the most popular episodes of the Experience We-Ha podcast in 2019 was our talk with Mayor Shari Cantor – so back by popular demand and coming off the heels of her State of the Town Address in late January, Ryan and I had another great conversation with our mayor. We dig deeper on some of the topics covered during the address and some others that were on our minds as well as some questions from the members of our community.
We definitely covered a lot of ground as you can see in the episode chapters below, so take a listen and get up-to-speed on all that’s happening in our great town of West Hartford!
You can read We-Ha.com’s full article of the State of the Town Address HERE or view the video of the full speech HERE.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:50 – Taxes vs. preserving our quality of life
6:05 – Initial feedback from the State of the Town address
7:45 – The state of town residency
10:15 – Town safety and community vigilance
14:07 – Celebrating town diversity
15:40 – State of the old UConn property and “Fintech Village”
18:18 – Sisters of St. Joseph’s project
19:25 – Park Road Project
21:30 – North Main “Road Diet”
25:20 – What’s up with parking?
31:30 – Food Truck Park/Elmwood/New Park Avenue projects
37:15 – Entertainment in commercial zones
39:00 – Renewable energy – We-Ha is going green!
40:00 – The future of the mall
41:28 – Special Education in West Hartford
47:35 – What keeps the Mayor up at night?
50:12 – The State of the Dog Park
54:08 – Shari’s favorite We-Ha cocktail (and vacation spot)
The gentleman standing between Ryan and me in the picture above is lucky to be alive and well after suffering a stroke on March 20, 2017. Bob’s frightening but amazing story tells how he suddenly lost the use of his right side and ability to speak, but thanks to the quick actions of his wife and co-workers, he received the necessary treatment to recover from his stroke. Now he is on a mission to share his story and spread the word and help other victims and caregivers quickly recognize the symptoms and get help.
For more information about stokes and stroke awareness, head over to Bob’s Facebook page www.facebook.com/strokeawarenessguy
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
1:55 – About Bob and his story and mission
19:45 – The biggest changes in Bob’s life
25:55 – How to recognize when you are having a stroke … B.E.F.A.S.T
34:40 – Hartford Yard Goats, Strike Out Strokes May 7th
36:03 – Stroke of Luck presentation and reactions
38:50 – Bob’s favorite We-Ha dish
Grace Napolitano is relatively new to the West Hartford community but she’s already making waves as a business consultant for female entrepreneurs. In this podcast, I talk to Grace about her background and how she is helping women break through the many challenges they face in business and entrepreneurship to help them build a strong mindset and get them pointed in the direction of greater success.
You can learn more about Grace’s coaching on her WEBSITE
Also, check out her private Facebook group, The Skirt Revolution
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
1:30 – About Grace
3:12 – Common challenges for women in business and entrepreneurship
7:40 – Coaching people through challenges
11:15 – The 80/20 method to better time management
13:50 – The “tools” that can help
17:20 – Putting a value on your activities and tasks
18:35 – Asking for help
20:28 – How to get “un-stuck”
23:35 – Grace’s top book recommendations
26:25 – How to connect with Grace
27:35 – Grace’s favorite We-Ha dish
On Saturday, Feb. 1, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., more than 75 young entrepreneurs will have their creations on display at the West Hartford Town Hall during the town’s first-ever Pop Up Kids Market hosted by Buzz ELM. Ryan and I had the chance to talk with the founders of Buzz ELM – Elyse Fox, Laura Barash, and Melissa Geller – about the inspiration behind creating the market as a way to get kids from age 5 to 18 to exercise their business, entrepreneurial, and creative skills to work and sell their creations to the public.
You can find out more about the Pop Up Kids Market
HERE and make sure to read the article on We-Ha.com HEREEpisode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
1:53 – About Elyse, Laura & Melissa… The “ELM” in Buzz ELM
7:00 – The idea behind the pop-up kids market
9:00 – What the kids are making and selling
12:35 – The positive response from the local community and what’s next
17:30 – ELM’s kids and what they are bringing to the market
20:55 – Teaching kids about business and pricing and selling their products while having fun
27:40 – Local business support for the pop up market
29:18 – ELM’s favorite We-Ha dishes
At the ripe young age of 23, Ben Goldman, a born and raised Hartford area local, knew EXACTLY what he wanted to do for a living by watching the news as a kid. He became fascinated with the people who would “dress up” and tell him what was happening in the local community and the world … so that’s where his journey began.
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Ryan and I turned the microphone on Ben to learn about his story – how he achieved his dream job and became a news anchor at Fox 61. We learn about the early days of his life which included a successful battle with brain cancer, his roles and internships working with the best-of-the-best in hyperlocal and national news, and the most memorable moment in his young career.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:45 – The journey to news anchor
8:30 – Ben’s battle with brain cancer
16:15 – Ben’s involvement with charities and his Make-A-Wish
18:15 – From college internship, to apprenticeship, to Fox 61
20:07 – First day as an anchor
21:50 – Learning from the best – Denise D’Ascenzo and Dennis House
27:54 – Ben’s most memorable moment in the business
32:50 – What’s next???
34:45 – Dream interview
36:55 – The secret to his success
40:23 – Ben’s favorite We-Ha dish
In the Major Leagues, pitchers and catchers will report to spring training camp in about a month, which means baseball fever is already catching fire! With that in mind, West Hartford Youth Baseball League (WHYBL) is already gearing themselves up for spring ball which is also right around the corner and registration is now open.
Ryan and Jeff had the opportunity to sit down with WHYBL President Rob Hanawalt and Board member and coach of spring and travel teams Pat Cooney to talk about what’s in store this year as the league comes into full swing in April. They provide the details of how the league handles learning and progressing through the ages, coaching and parenting, and about the great community of WHYBL which creates a rewarding experience for all involved.
To learn more about WHYBL, check out their website
http://www.whybaseball.com/
Episode chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:00 – About Rob and Pat
6:00 – About WHYBL
9:00 – Progression through youth baseball, the learning process
12:50 – Getting to the World Series
16:12 – Coaching
19:50 – Parents
24:35 – Balancing other sports
27:20 – Heading to Cuba – Team Cultures Connect
29:45 – Using technology in youth baseball
31:40 – Upcoming clinics
34:50 – Summer and Fall leagues
36:50 – Pat and Rob’s favorite We-Ha dishes
We’re ALL about experiences at Experience We-Ha – and Ryan and I had the opportunity to test out weightlessness in the float tanks at the new Float Forty-One in Bishops Corner.
Floatation therapy provides a zero-gravity environment that allows the mind and body to completely let go, relax, and reset. Using 1,000 pounds of Epsom Salts, the buoyancy of the water makes floating on water feel like floating on air.
We chatted with owner Sarah LaTeano about her journey with floating that inspired her and her husband, Ryan LaTeano, to open Float Forty-One as a way to help people reduce stress and anxiety among many other physical and psychological benefits. We then tested it out by doing our own 1-hour floats and we talk more about our experience in the podcast so make sure to listen in to the story to find out if float therapy is right for you.
Float Forty-One officially opens on Monday, Jan. 6, and you can find out more about it and book a float session by heading to their website https://www.float41.com/
Episode chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:00 – How Sarah and her husband got into floating
4:30 – What is float therapy?
6:30 – How floating helps
7:45 – The pre-float
8:40 – Sterility of floating
11:12 – Types of float tanks
15:10 – Pricing and memberships
16:08 – The benefits of multiple floats and consistency
17:34 – Floating history and today
19:05 – How has floating helped Sarah most
21:15 – Jeff and Ryan go floating
21:30 – Review of the experience
27:10 – How to find out more about Float 41
28:15 – Sarah and Ryan’s (the man behind the build) favorite We-Ha dish
As we come to the end of another year (and decade), Ryan and Jeff reflect on 70 episodes of the Experience We-Ha Podcast. During this journey, not only have we learned a great deal about the medium of podcasting but more importantly about the extraordinary and wonderful things people are doing and the stories they have to tell. From our popular chefs around this culinary town to local artists and entrepreneurs and everything in between, our podcast guests are truly those who help make this great community of West Hartford what it is.
Learn more about our experience – and thank you to those who have listened in to even one podcast as it makes it all worth it, and stay tuned for more exciting guests to come in 2020. Wishing you all a happy and healthy New Year!
Episode chapters:
0:00 – Intro
3:15 – How the Experience We-Ha Podcast got started
6:45 – Top 5 … errr 10 episodes
16:20 – Top 5 We-Ha restaurants mentioned on the podcast
21:00 – Podcast stats and how we’ve grown
22:00 – Our favorite episodes
30:10 – What we’ve learned about podcasting
34:15 – Ryan and Jeff critique each other
36:46 – What we should do differently in 2020
40:20 – What are we most proud of in 2019
43:50 – Personal goals in 2020 and additional reflections
52:45 – What are your goals???
The West Hartford Dog Park Coalition is making headway in establishing West Hartford’s dedicated dog park as they opened their temporary gated park at Beachland Park this past week. Jeff Lovanio and Ryan Keating chatted with coalition member Suzi Craig about the 10-year journey to open a dog park in West Hartford. This marks one step closer to building a permanent park in town for dogs to play freely off-leash as this temporary spot will be open for three months. Learn more from Suzi in this week’s podcast – and make sure to read the latest news story about the dog park on We-Ha.com HERE.
For additional information visit http://westhartforddogpark.org/
Episode chapters:
0:00 – Intro – Ryan, Agent Von Woofenhauser, Gus
3:42 – Suzi Craig -–About the West Hartford Dog Park Coalition
7:57 – Beachland Park location
9:00 – Pooch Plunge
9:30 – History of challenges
12:45 – Opening
13:20 – Funding and upkeep
16:30 – Keys to success
20:10 – Online resources – westhartforddogpark.org
24:45 – Suzi’s favorite We-Ha dish
What’s the holiday season without “The Nutcracker”? For some reason seeing the live performance truly invigorates the Christmas spirit, and this year’s rendition by Ballet Theatre Company at the Hoffman Auditorium at The University of Saint Joseph in West Hartford is no exception!
Jeff and Ryan had a chance to chat with Artistic Director and General Manager of the Ballet Theatre Company, Stephanie Dattellas, to find out what’s new for this year’s performance and how BTC adds some special nods to West Hartford to make this year’s performance special. In addition, we learn more about Stephanie and how BTC is doing local outreach to make the art of ballet accessible to more people.
0:00 – Intro/About Stephanie
3:45 – What makes a professional dancer
6:50 – Stephanie’s role and about BTC
12:25 – The Nutcracker
17:55 – Putting the Hartford art scene on the map
20:12 – Stephanie’s favorites as a dancer and as a choreographer
26:39 – Youth in ballet
31:00 – Reaching The Pointe – local outreach
36:50 – Stephanie’s favorite We-Ha dish
DECA or (Distributive Education Clubs of America) prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs for careers in marketing, finance, hospitality, and management in high schools and colleges around the globe – and there is a chapter right here in West Hartford at Conard High School. Jeff and Ryan got to sit down with Holly Ruiz and the DECA team to talk more about how DECA is further preparing students for their futures. From building local fundraising and marketing campaigns to attending state and national conferences and competitions, the program allows students to network with others around the country while gaining valuable experience from industry professionals.
2:20 – DECA chapter at Conard High School – Holly Ruiz
4:38 – The DECA state conference – Johnny Hoang
6:45 – The competition
10:00 – The shark tank event
13:00 – Community service campaign – Jojo Rai, Rachel Son
17:00 – The organization – Thao Vy Ha, Miriam Lopez-Cruz
20:30 – The press release and fundraising efforts – Hunter Marotto
23:15 – Sports and entertainment conference opportunity – Andrew Rosa
24:55 – Makeup of Conard DECA
28:00 – DECA membership
32:00 – What the students think of DECA – Rachel Son, Miriam Lopez-Cruz, Jasea Amchok, Johnny Hoang
42:30 – Favorite We-Ha Dishes
As Park & Oak Restaurant celebrates three years in West Hartford, Jeff and Ryan chat with Owner/Chef David Borselle about his journey in becoming a staple restaurant in the West Hartford community. Chef David’s foray into the culinary world began on a golf course, but his growing passion led him to seek formal training both here in the U.S. and in Asti, Italy.
Learn more about Chef David’s journey, his inspirations as a chef and business owner, his passions for teaching others how to make pasta, and how he balances it all with a working family and twin toddler daughters.
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
4:45 – Chef David’s journey to become a chef
9:12 – Off to Italy to learn and train
14:35 – Differences in Italian culinary
17:30 – Using ingredients from local farms
21:07 – Back to the states – Ritz Carlton, Miami
24:23 – From chef to business owner
25:35 – Staff matters
27:20 – Beyond a place to eat – pasta classes, special dinners, and more
32:15 – The inspirations behind the menu
34:15 – Balancing work and life
37:14 – Involvement in the community
40:15 – New projects?
42:57 – Chef David’s favorite We-Ha dish?
At a time of the year when friendship, togetherness, and community take a front seat during the holiday season, people are becoming more and more disconnected as human beings. According to a study by Cigna, loneliness has become an American epidemic with “One in four Americans (27 percent) rarely or never feel as though there are people who really understand them.” Brent Robertson of Fathom LLC, a leadership and future design consulting company, is tackling this issue and it has got people listening.
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff and Ryan talk to Brent about this serious problem which is leading more and more people into depression and even suicide, and talk about what people can do to fight loneliness.
In addition, Brent and Fathom LLC host periodic Sip Sessions or open forums for people to exchange ideas and experiences about a myriad of topics that affect our community. To learn more about Sip Sessions, CLICK HERE.
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:00 – Introducing Brent
4:36 – The epidemic of loneliness
9:37 – Prevalence in men
11:54 – A business case for friendship
13:15 – Active disengagement at work
15:50 – Friendships matter
26:30 – Correlation between connection and our health
28:00 – The most successful drug to cure loneliness
29:22 – Sip Sessions
42:20 – Brent’s RECENT favorite We-Ha dish
In November the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce hosted its first Business & Community Showcase at the West Hartford Town Hall. It proved to be a huge success allowing Chamber members to promote their businesses to each other and members of the community furthering the benefits of face-to-face, handshake-to-handshake networking. Jeff and Ryan set up shop and hosted an Experience We-Ha Podcast to help showcase the members of the Chamber and get to know them a little better.
Episode chapters:
0:00 – Intro – Jeff/Ryan
2:30 – Chris Conway – Executive Director, WHCOC
12:45 – Matt Cuddy – Westfield Bank
19:11 – Billy Grant IV – Ameriprise Financial
28:40 – Nat Mardoc – Comcast Business
36:54 – Andrew Moran – Merchant Solutions
43:00 – Close/Chris Conway
In 2019, out of the 56,700 people who will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, 46,000 will not survive. These are sobering numbers and Barbara Foley of the Ron Foley Foundation is here to raise awareness to help fight this deadly disease.
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff and Ryan learn more about Barbara and about her late husband, Ron Foley. Ron was diagnosed with the disease in 2004 and passed away a year later – which inspired her to help others in need who are diagnosed and suffering from pancreatic cancer.
Listen in and learn more about Barabara’s journey and how you can get involved during World Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month in November.
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:00 – Episode Prelude
4:30 – Opening
6:15 – Meet Barbara Foley and about the Ron Foley Foundation
7:45 – Pancreatic cancer statistics
10:08 – Who is Ron Foley and about Ron’s Rescue
13:45 – Partnering with other organizations
15:45 – Advances in pancreatic cancer treatment
17:25 – Symptoms of pancreatic cancer
18:27 – Partnering with Hartford Healthcare
19:45 – Upcoming events and awareness in November
24:00 – The Foundation team
25:00 – Ron’s Run for the Roses Event
29:50 – Show us your purple
32:05 – Barbara’s favorite We-Ha dish
If we told you that you can help others in need while getting your holiday shopping done (at a discount) AND support local businesses this holiday season, would you believe it? This is exactly what the We Care Card does and you can get yours today!
Jeff and Ryan had a chance to chat with BK&Co. co-owner and West Hartford Center Business Association Board member Barbara Karsky and Foodshare Corporate and Community Giving Manager Al Marino to talk about what’s in store for this year’s We Care Card program which runs from Nov. 7-17.
Check back with We-Ha.com later this week for more detailed information about this year’s program.
To purchase your card today, visit the West Hartford Center Business Association website for a list of places where they are for sale (and participating businesses), or purchase a card directly online HERE.
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro Barbara & Al
2:20 – How the We Care Card came to be
4:21 – How does it work?
5:38 – Keeping it local
6:20 – How it helps Foodshare and where the money goes
11:23 – Turkey Drive
16:32 – Winning the Chamber Spotlight Award
18:01 – How do you get the card?
19:40 – The deals
21:40 – Barbara and Al’s favorite We-Ha dishes
Recently, Ellen DeGeneres defended her friendship with former President of the United States, George W. Bush …
“Here’s the thing. I’m friends with George Bush,” she said. “In fact, I’m friends with a lot of people who don’t share the same beliefs that I have. But just because I don’t agree with someone on everything doesn’t mean that I’m not going to be friends with them,” she added. “When I say, ‘Be kind to one another,’ I don’t only mean the people that think the same way that you do. I mean be kind to everyone.”
In this week’s Experience We-Ha podcast, recorded in the throes of election season, Ryan and Jeff sat down with Chris Williams and Liam Sweeney of the West Hartford Town Council. Although Chris and Liam don’t always agree on all issues, they have been friends since growing up in town when they first played on the same basketball team back in middle school and the level of respect for each other is evident. Both are looking out for the best interests of their town and regardless of which side of the aisle you sit on, we’ve got some great people representing our best interests in West Hartford.
Check out Chris Williams’ Facebook Page
Check out Liam Sweeney’s Facebook Page
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:25 – About Chris and Liam and growing up in West Hartford
5:53 – How Town Council works
7:12 – Why get into public service
12:12 – Balancing time
15:40 – Bipartisan gun control
18:16 – Local roads and construction
20:30 – 10-year plan for West Hartford
24:00 – “Model” towns across the country and where we stand
26:20 – Working together with Hartford
29:55 – What are the burning issues for residents
32:12 – Door-knocking stories
35:30 – Political respect and keeping a sense of humor
39:15 – How to connect with Chris and Liam
43:18 – We live in a great place!
49:25 – Chris and Liam’s favorite We-Ha dishes
In this week’s Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff talk about the latest in effective fat loss treatment with Caroline St. Clair and Roni Rodman of the Medspa West Hartford. CoolSculpting is the No. 1 non-invasive fat reduction procedure in the world! CoolSculpting is the only FDA cleared treatment that uses advanced cooling technology to eliminate notorious fat deposits without surgery or downtime.
The Medspa just opened in their temporary spot in Blue Back Square at 84 Memorial Rd., and is hosting their fall CoolSculpting event on Thursday, Oct. 24.
For more information on CoolSculpting and all other services from the Medspa, check out their website: https://www.themedspamd.com/
Follw them on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themedspawesthartford/
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:30 – About Roni and Caroline
2:30 – What is CoolSculpting?
3:45 – What is the process of CoolSculpting?
6:50 – Targeting certain areas of the body
8:15 – Common areas and results
9:15 – Side effects
12:45 – Liquid facelift
13:50 – Taking aesthetic treatment too far and what can be reversed
16:00 – Training and licensing
20:00 – Impacts of social media and image
24:15 – Roni and Caroline’s favorite We-Ha dishes
In this week’s Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and I paid a visit to The Fix IV to learn more about IV hydration, energy, and overall wellness treatment and booster wellness. We chat with Owner Erin Fox and Registered Nurse, Danielle, to better understand the different types of IV treatments and boosters available. Being my first time getting a treatment I was very curious about the process and I have to say, I left after my Myers’ Fix feeling better than when I got there – and felt better for days after!
For more information about The Fix IV – GO HERE
To book an appointment – GO HERE
A special thanks to Marissa Squires and Rob Oliver, The Fix IV regulars, for joining us and providing some valuable input on their experience with IV treatment.
Podcast Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:20 – Starting the infusion and what it feels like
3:45 – About the Myers’ Fix
5:45 – Difference between a FIX and a BOOSTER
7:30 – The Spa – Relax, Revive, Rejuvenate (and work if you want)
8:45 – Confessions of a regular customer
10:45 – Marissa getting her Fuel Fix
12:18 – The most popular Fixes
16:10 – About Erin and her inspiration for launching The Fix IV
19:40 – The wonders of CO-Q 10
21:25 – The pressure bag
22:45 – It’s really an approachable process
28:19 – The fountain of youth treatment?
31:10 – Recommended Fix and boost cadence
36:45 – Coming soon at The Fix IV
40:30 – Favorite We-Ha Dishes
Eric Feeney, a local school teacher, had seen one too many young students deal with the tragedy of losing a loved one so he decided to start a local charity to help families deal with loss. This was the beginning of “Friends of Feeney,” and this coming weekend Eric is asking you to join them in the Park Road Parade on Oct. 5, starting in the parking lot of Prospect Cafe at 9 a.m., and then for the Global Cardboard Challenge at Elmwood Senior Center from 1-3 p.m.
Donations of cardboard boxes, duct tape, and non-perishable food items are very welcome!
Follow Friends of Feeney on Facebook
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – About Eric
4:08 – How Friends of Feeney got started
5:50 – FoF in the Park Road parade and the Global Cardboard Challenge
8:30 – Where the money goes
11:00 – Growing the charity
12:15 – The impact on children and keeping it local
16:15 – How to get involved and what is needed
24:05 – Eric’s favorite We-Ha dish
When it comes to buying and selling a home there are hundreds if not thousands of real estate agents who can help you in the process. But selecting the right agent should ultimately come down to the right relationship with someone who can best understand your needs and act and coach you in your best interest.
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff dig deep with Matt Miale of The Miale Team of Keller Williams to discuss how Matt turned his passion and entrepreneurial spirit for helping people realize their life design of finding a new home into building one of the top agencies in Connecticut, right here in West Hartford.
Check out The Miale Team of Keller Williams website here
Make sure to follow them on Facebook
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
3:00 – Who is Matt Miale and how he got his start
7:00 – Sales vs. Service
10:15 – Real estate agents as buying coaches
21:30 – Matt’s “wake up moment”
23:30 – Building a business
25:11 – Empowering a team and building a community
34:35 – Are we approaching another bubble?
38:30 – What about We-Ha real estate
42:12 – How to hire an agent
43:25 – Joining the right team
53:00 – The customer experience playbook
59:20 – Matt’s favorite We-Ha dish
Whether you’re looking to refresh, reimagine, or redesign your home or just buy a unique gift you can’t find anywhere else, Louis Lemieux and Jena Brescia are here to help. In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Poodcast, Ryan and Jeff talk to Louis and Jena about their journey bringing their decor and expertise from Bantam, CT, to West Hartford.
Want this bag? Go visit Blueprint CT and sign up at the register and enter to win! Good luck!
Check out their beautiful and unique store located at 970 Farmington Ave. today and sign up in-store to win this cool WeHa bag made by Apolis, a Los Angeles-based company that hires hundreds of women in the most impoverished country of Bangladesh. These women are offered heathcare, financial and legal aid, education and more. In return, they work tirelessly to share their craft with retailers all over the world. The bag is designed to carry up to 125 lbs., includes a shoulder strap, and, of course, is all about WeHa!
Make sure to follow Blueprint CT on Social Media: Facebook & Instagram
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:22 – About Louis
5:30 – Jena’s background
7:20 – Working together and leveraging strengths
13:42 – What IS Blueprint CT?
17:25 – “Things inform experiences” – Items you won’t find in other stores or online
23:52 – Customized to the customer
25:28 – Where did the name “Blueprint” come from?
27:35 – Refresh-Restyle-Reimagine
35:45 – Bringing in what people like
41:00 – 3 easy (and inexpensive) design changes that make the biggest difference
44:07 – Shopping local and finding unique gifts
55:55 – Louis’ and Jena’s favorite We-Ha dish
If you’ve seen a purple limo bus driving around town lately, then you’re looking at the latest FREE local transportation method in West Hartford – WeHa Wheels. On this week’s podcast, Tom Hickey and Amy Parmenter talk to Ryan and Jeff about the idea for a bus to shuttle people around town in style, how it works and how you can book, and the overwhelming response from the community.
For more info about the bus, go to wehawheels.com
OW, you can book the bus online using this link: WeHa Wheels
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro – Tom Hickey/Amy Parmenter
2:45 – What is We-Ha Wheels and how did it begin?
8:05 – How it works
11:20 – Saving money using the WeHa Wheels palm card
12:00 – The design of the bus
15:12 – It’s not just a local shuttle bus
16:15 – #wehawheels
17:15 – Service hours
18:25 – Clearing up the myths
20:36 – The sponsors
22:15 – Other questions
23:30 – Best of West Hartford – VOTE!!!
24:15 – Tom, Amy and Hunter’s favorite We-Ha dish
For more than 21 years, Luna Pizza has been serving traditional New York-style pizza to the West Hartford community from their Farmington Avenue location. Ryan and Jeff had a chance to have lunch at the new bar and chat with owner Alex MacDonald about his journey as a business owner and pizza chef over the past two decades, the key to a good pie, and about the recent transformation of Luna, including a new bar and menu.
Check out their Happy Hour at the new bar Monday through Friday from 3-6 p.m.
Follow Luna Pizza on Facebook
See their menu or order online on their WEBSITE
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About Alex and the beginning of Luna Pizza
3:50 – How Alex got started making pizza
5:00 – Different types of pizza and how Luna compares
7:00 – The keys to a good “pie”
8:45 – It’s all in the crust
11:45 – Toppings for all tastes
14:38 – Dealing with rising costs and managing a team
18:30 – The hardest part of running a restaurant
22:43 – Luna gets a facelift
25:30 – The new bar, menu and HAPPY HOUR!
30:45 – A We-Ha pizza fest? Hmmmm…
32:45 – Alex’s favorite We-Ha dish
Whether you’re buying or selling a home or just interested in what’s going on in the West Hartford real estate market, this podcast with Scott Broder and Evan Berman of William Raveis Broder Groupis for you!
In this episode, Scott and Evan talk about where we are currently in the market cycle, hot locations, what buyers and sellers should be looking for in a real estate agent and much, much, more!
Follow The Broder Group on Facebook
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:45 – About Scott & Evan
5:00 – State of the West Hartford real estate market
9:06 – What buyers are looking for?
10:36 – Low inventory environment
11:34 – Surrounding towns
12:34 – Hot locations around We-Ha
14:25 – Are cul-de-sacs still desirable?
16:47 – Why you should be careful of FSBO (For Sale By Owner)
19:10 – The importance of staging your house
22:54 – What to look for in a good real estate agent
25:55 – Kitchens, baths are KEY!
27:30 – Homes on the historic registry
30:00 – Investment/rental properties
31:10 – Scott & Evan’s favorite We-Ha dish
Jason Black, communications director at Community Renewal Team (CRT) talks to Ryan and Jeff about the great work they are doing locally helping individuals, families, and communities address the challenges they face in building a successful future. You can support CRT at their upcoming Meals on Wheels annual golf tournament at Tunxis Hill in Farmington on Sept. 18.
https://www.crtct.org/en/events/meals-on-wheels-golf-classic-2019
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About CRT
3:10 – Who does CRT serve?
5:10 – CRT locations
6:55 – Volunteers and funding
10:35 – Other services CRT provides
12:45 – Creating awareness and where donations go
14:50 – Meals on Wheels golf tournament – Sept. 18
17:30 – Biggest needs in the community
21:55 – Behavioral Health Services
23:45 – Jason’s favorite We-Ha dish
Imagine a time where you can freely ride your bike around West Hartford Center without the worry of cars. This was the vision of Ethan Frankel of Bike West Hartford when he created Center Streets West Hartford and it allows the community to do just that for four hours.
On Sunday, Aug. 25, break out your bike, bring the kids and ride around West Hartford Center to enjoy an open-street ride while bringing awareness to bike safety. Learn more about the event and how Ethan brought his vision to reality as one of the town’s signature events or more information about Center Streets and Bike West Hartford, check out their website: https://bikewesthartford.org/center-streets/
Also, check out their Facebook Group:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/bikewesthartford/
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:25 – About Ethan and Bike West Hartford
5:30 – What is Center Streets
7:45 – Putting the event together
11:50 – Getting more people on their bikes and awareness
13:50 – Making West Hartford a more bike-friendly town
19:15 – Ethan’s thoughts on Lime Bike or bike-share programs
21:50 – BiCi Co.
25:15 – Ethan’s folding bike
26:30 – What to know about the Aug. 25 event
29:30 – Ethan’s favorite We-Ha dish
Have you ever received a Facebook message from a local business with a free offer? Chances are, the man behind it is the guest of this podcast. Meet James Furman of Mission4Media who is finding new ways for local businesses to connect with customers while helping people around the local community find free stuff around town.
For more information about Mission4Media, check out their website https://www.mission4media.com/
Follow on Facebook
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/Making a connection virtually and in person
5:00 – About James and Mission4Media – The early days of Facebook marketing
7:50 – Enter Messenger Marketing – How does it work?
10:00 – The evolution of digital marketing
11:20 – What businesses SHOULD be doing on social media
14:00 – A case study in gathering an audience – Chowder Pot
18:30 – Engaging audience when you are a service-based business
22:00 – Is email marketing dead?
29:10 – James’ favorite We-Ha dish
Are you happy with your job? Are you considering a change but don’t know where to start? Alicia Davis and Stacie Watson can help!
On this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff had a valuable and informative conversation with Alicia and Stacie, co-owners of Transformative Leadership Strategies. We discuss how they work with their clients through the stressful process of a career change. We also discuss how they work with individuals and organizations on topics such as knowing your core values and the role of leadership throughout one’s professional journey.
For more information and to contact Alicia and Stacie, check out their website Transformative Leadership Strategies.
Email: info@tlstransforms.com
Also, connect with them on LinkedIn
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – What is Transformative Leadership Services and how Stacie and Alicia help individuals and businesses
6:46 – Career transition coaching
8:25 – How to overcome the fear of change
11:15 – Connecting head and heart – getting clear on what’s most important
14:20 – Control what you can
15:30 – Coaching vs. Therapy – What’s the difference?
20:00 – Who do Stacie and Alicia look to for inspiration?
22:30 – LinkedIn, the modern-day resume and making about what YOU want to do
31:00 – Are you disengaged at work?
35:50 – How can good leadership help
40:30 – Inter-generational communication issues in the workplace
45:38 – Stacie and Alicia’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Ryan and Jeff paid a visit to Face It Medspa in West Hartford Center and had a conversation with Anita Wolf, registered nurse and owner of Face It, and Jodi Daniels, medical aesthetician, about the latest in medical skincare treatments to help people reverse the “aging” process with dramatic results.
In addition, we get some tips about how to protect yourself from the sun during the summer months. We also learned about the Mother’s Day makeover they have been working on and the BIG REVEAL happening Friday, Aug. 2.
Learn more about Face It and their services on their website HERE
Follow on
Follow on Instagram
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About Anita and Jodi
3:35 – Face It services
5:45 – Lasers and Botox and Coolsculpting, oh my!
10:05 – Protecting yourself from the sun
11:30 – Most popular treatments
12:55 – Taking treatments too far
13:35 – Natural skin protection
15:05 – Mother’s Day makeover process and upcoming reveal
18:00 – What about the men? “Bro”tox
20:02 – Anita’s and Jodi’s favorite We-Ha dishes
Need to cool off this summer or just head to a cool place with so much going on? If you think a library is just about books, think again! In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Ryan and I talk with Martha Church, who has been at the West Hartford Public Library for over 40 years and Director since 2015. With hundreds of programs and events held throughout the year for everyone from 1 to 100, the West Hartford Public Library is ever-evolving, even in this digital age, as a social hub of learning and enrichment in the community.
Visit the West Hartford Public Library site HERE
Follow on Facebook
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
3:06 – About Martha Church
6:00 – The evolution of the library – It goes far beyond books
10:10 – Overdue books
13:05 – Library programs and social infrastructure
18:20 – The digital library
23:00 – Managing the library collection
25:00 – Free garage parking for the library!
28:10 – The conference room use for nonprofits
29:30 – The library website
32:02 – Get your library card
35:25 – Martha’s favorite We-Ha dish
If you are a dog owner in need of a little help with your pooch’s behavior issues, this podcast is for you. Ryan and Jeff sit with Marissa Squires of Dogology, located on Sedgwick Road in West Hartford to talk about dog training and the services Marissa offers.
Is it about the dog or the owner? Find out some great tips in handling common issues with certain dog behaviors in this week’s podcast.
Check out Dogology HERE.
Follow on
Facebook and Marissa’s Instagram page.
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:30 – About Marissa and Dogology
6:00 – Work with rescue dogs
7:45 – Socializing a new puppy and behavior issues
12:25 – Training the dog or training the dog owner?
14:25 – Group classes or individual
15:40 – How to “de-value” bad behavior
18:20 – Evolving dog training
24:48 – Dogology training availability
26:20 – Types of food for dogs
29:40 – Marissa’s favorite We-Ha dish
Two guys who CLEARLY need fashion advice sit down with Matt Banever of Daswani Clothiers, a staple retailer in West Hartford for more than 30 years, to talk about the latest and greatest men’s fashion trends for 2019.
Are suits taking a break? Should we be “mad about plaid”? We dig deep to find out what’s hot and what’s not and how Matt sees a place for both online and traditional shopping in this ever-changing digital economy.
Check out the Daswani Clothiers website.
Follow on Facebook and Instagram.
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:35 – 2019 men’s fashion trends – dressing down?
4:30 – Dress for your day
7:30 – Celebrity influence
10:00 – The death of the necktie
11:28 – Handkerchief or pocket square?
13:45 – Matt’s take on the “Pinterest Top 9 Trends”
20:15 – Top trends Matt is seeing
24:30 – Watches
27:55 – Traditional vs. online shopping
34:42 – Matt’s (second) favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff had a chance to talk about the popular restaurant scene in West Hartford with the founders of INGroup Creative and Eat IN CT, Jeannette Dardenne and Kristen Fritz.
With more than 150 places to eat in town, restaurant owners need to evolve and differentiate themselves to stand out from the crowd so we talk about current trends they are seeing in the industry, the keys to creating experiences for diners, how and why they created the popular Eat IN Connecticut Facebook group with over 8,000 members, and where things are headed in the ever-growing and evolving restaurant industry.
Follow the Eat IN Connecticut Facebook Group
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About Jeannette and Kristen
5:05 – What is INGroup Creative?
6:45 – The changing landscape of restaurant marketing
9:20 – The food and drink community
10:45 – The importance of creating experiences
12:30 – Trends in restaurants
16:56 – The Eat IN CT Facebook group
21:30 – Are there too many restaurants in West Hartford?
24:10 – Restaurant staffing
27:05 – Future trends and technology
34:26 – Jeannette and Kristen’s favorite We-Ha dishes
Tracey M. Wilson taught history in the West Hartford Public Schools for more than 35 years and wrote articles about the town for West Hartford LIFE which inspired her to write her book, Life In West Hartford. In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast we talk about the inspiration behind why Tracey wrote the book, the influential women who helped shape the town into what it is today and some interesting facts you might now have known about West Hartford … including that it was once home to a horse-racing track.
You can read the online version of the book HERE or you can purchase a copy of the book – which makes a great coffee table addition – at the Noah Webster House.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro/About Tracey and why she wrote Life in West Hartford
7:00 – The women of West Hartford
8:55 – What can you find in the book?
12:00 – Immigration, diversity and building the town’s infrastructure
17:45 – Surprising things you might not know about West Hartford. Horse Races???
22:00 – There are 28 plaques around town. Can you find them all?
23:55 – What makes West Hartford … West Hartford?
26:21 – History of housing in West Hartford
30:45 – Witness Stones
34:27 – Tracey’s Tree
35:50 – Tracey’s favorite We-Ha dish
37:10 – West Hartford’s oldest restaurant
The “centerpiece” of West Hartford is … well … West Hartford Center. In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff chat with West Hartford Center Business Association (WHCBA) President Matt Banever about the evolution of the center, the rebranding of WHCBA, upcoming events including next weekend’s popular Ferrari Concorso & Friends, and what he believes is the future of the center.
For more info on the WHCBA, visit their website HERE.
Follow WHCBA on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about center events and promotions.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:45 – About Matt and the WHCBA
9:48 – The rebranding process
12:40 – The evolution of the Center – restaurants vs. retail
19:30 – Signature events
24:25 – Ferrari Concorso and Friends – June 23
26:38 – New events – Fashion Week
29:40 – The Center vs. Blue Back Square
32:25 – Future Leaders of West Hartford – FLOW
36:25 – Matt’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff speak with Jeff Shaw, running instructor and event organizer of the Chase The Moon Ragnar Relay challenge taking place on Monday, June 17, starting at the West Hartford REI in Bishop’s Corner. Two-person teams join thousands around the globe to run a total of 6.7 miles in relay format with a worldwide goal of running around the moon 20 times – or 134,000 miles on the same evening – all benefitting the 100 Mile Club, a nonprofit that helps schools and communities produce “Healthy, Happy, Connected Kids”.
Listen in to this weeks episode for all the details and then grab a friend and REGISTER FOR FREE HERE!
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:03 – About Jeff Shaw
2:50 – About the Chase the Moon challenge
7:00 – The teams and how it works
8:50 – What are Ragnar races?
13:35 – All levels welcome
14:25 – How to sign up
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff talk ribs with Guy Neumann, founder of the Hartford Rib Off, a Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event right next door in neighboring Hartford on Saturday, June 15. In its 10th year, the Hartford Rib Off gets bigger and better every year while raising awareness and funding to support the various objectives of Greater Hartford nonprofit organizations.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:25 – What is the Hartford Rib Off
5:30 – A Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned event
7:00 – The rules and judging process
9:05 – The Scholarship Fund and giving back
12:30 – The competitors
16:05 – What to expect at this year’s event
33:30 – Guy’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff get the details of this year’s Celebrate! West Hartford festival which will take place on Saturday, June 1 and Sunday, June 2. We talk with Festival Committee Chair Mary Alexander and Event Director Linda Geisler to discuss what’s new for the juried arts & crafts show, what to expect as your stroll through the food court, this year’s live entertainment (it’s sure to get you on the dance floor), Sunday’s Celebrate! West Hartford road race, and much, much more!
Find out more about the Celebrate West Hartford Festival HERE
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro
2:25 – About Celebrate! West Hartford and its history
5:25 – The juried arts & crafts Show
11:15 – Eat your way through the festival: This year’s food vendors
15:30 – Carnival attractions and events for kids of ALL ages
20:40 – Where to park
22:05 – Road race
24:03 – The CWH Committee: The event wouldn’t happen without!
27:20 – Live music line-up
29:30 – Linda’s and Mary’s favorite We-Ha dishes
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and I speak with Suzi Craig, senior director of Strategic Partnerships and Policy at Mental Health Connecticut (MHConn), a statewide, nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve mental health for all Connecticut residents.
One in four people experience mental illness, and May is mental health awareness month. Suzi discusses the programs MHConn provides to those affected by mental health issues, the issues in pop culture and social media and the work they are doing in May to raise awareness about this very important issue in our society.
Follow Mental Health Connecticut on Facebook.
0:00 – Intro – About Suzi
3:30 – Parity Bill Progress – Private Insurance for Mental Health
5:50 – Mental health “stigma” and discrimination
11:45 – How does Mental Health CT help?
15:10 – Medications and addiction
16:15 – Holistic programming and goal setting.
24:40 – Intervention and working with families
29:00 – Founder of Mental Health CT – Clifford Beers
31:20 – Mental health, pop culture, and social media
38:55 – About Mental Health Awareness Month
41:25 – Federal grants and collaboration to help the cause
44:40 – Suzi’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and I have the pleasure of speaking with storyteller, Matthew Dicks, a 39-time Moth StorySLAM champion and six-time GrandSLAM champion. He is also co-founder and creative director of Speak Up, a storytelling organization where he teaches people the art of storytelling and public speaking.
We talk to Matt about how he got his start in storytelling, how ANYONE can find stories to tell by doing homework for life, the elements of a good story, and Matt shares a hilarious story about his visit to MIT.
Check out Matt here: Speak Up
Matt’s latest book – Storyworthy
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro Matt
3:30 – How Matt got into storytelling – Moth SLAM
7:45 – The Author
10:20 – Teaching storytelling – Storyworthy
12:12 – Homework for life
18:45 – Finding stories in your imperfections and being authentic
26:25 – Using storytelling in business and personal branding
31:20 – The elements of a good story
36:00 – Matt’s favorite storytellers
39:00 – Don’t try to be funny
42:10 – Storytime – Matt goes to MIT
52:15 – Matt’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff Lovanio and Ryan Keating chat with Melissa Melonson and Cara Stellato of Lumi Agency, a digital marketing firm based in Hartford. We talk about how Melissa and Cara combined their talents to build a successful business helping clients build their brands online while at the same time building a social website, WeHartford to highlight the great things happening in and around the Hartford community.
Follow WeHartford on Facebook and Instagram
Episode Chapters
0:00 –Welcome Melissa/Cara
2:00 – About Melissa & Cara
3:35 – Combining talents and spreading wings
5:45 – Lumi services
8:15 – The importance of branding
13:05 – What does “Lumi” mean?
14:30 – About WeHartford
19:00 – A resurgence in Hartford
28:16 – The Lumi Culture
30:25 – Melissa and Kara’s favorite We-Ha dish
Ryan and I are used to bars in Blue Back Square but at this “bar” you actually BURN CALORIES!!! We took a grueling class at the new Cyclebar in Blue Back Square and then spoke to Owner Carrie Touchette and General Manager Raquelle Zelada to discuss the new trend in spinning which incorporates a total body workout, technology to track your progress and results and the fitness community they are building in West Hartford.
listen in to this week’s podcast and make sure to subscribe to the Experience We-Ha Podcast by clicking the links above!
***Note, although Ryan doesn’t look the part in the picture, he DID do the workout! 😉
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff Lovanio and Ryan Keating talk West Hartford history with the executive director of the Noah Webster House & West Hartford Historical Society, Jennifer Matos. How much do YOU know about the founding father of the American English language? Jenn gives us a little history lesson about Noah Webster and the original dictionary, the Blue-Backed Speller, and the great signature events the organization hosts throughout the year including the upcoming War of the Words at Congregation Beth Isreal. She also tells the story behind the statue in Blue Back Square – and the deal with Noah’s broken finger.
If you use the same password for all of your accounts, “LOSE…SLEEP…TONIGHT!!!” In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan talk internet security with IT expert Eric Buhrendorf of Evernet. Eric explains the dangers of bad password management and how his four tips can help you better protect yourself online.
This was a clip of a full episode where we discussed Eric’s business in helping small- to medium-sized businesses with their IT needs and the current trends in technology
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan chat with Deb Cohen, a West Hartford local who turned her passion for architecture, photography, and West Hartford homes and into a successful Instagram account –@thefrontdoorproject – which now has more than 68,000 followers! We talk about how Deb started the account, where it has taken her, and some tips on how to grow your social media account.
n this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan chat with KC Ward, chef and owner of the vegan-based restaurant Flora in West Hartford’s Blue Back Square, as well as Rooster Co. in Newington. KC brings us through his journey of finding his roots for becoming a chef, his successes and failures along the way, and how his passion for local, sustainable food sources are the inspiration behind his menus.
Follow Flora on: Facebook Instagram
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:10 – Who is KC Ward
7:20 – The rock climber
10:10 – The chef’s journey
13:30 – Pizza and cutting teeth at Bricco
15:20 – “GET YOUR HOTDOGS!!!”
17:00 – Spreading your wings
19:10 – Breakfast time
21:15 – Trusting your palate and hard work
25:50 – Plan A or Plan b? – An experiment in crafting burgers
34:45 – Farm to table … It makes a difference
40:15 – Enter Rooster Co.
42:00 – Enter Flora – Sustaining the environment and sourcing local
49:30 – Building a vegan-based menu
58:34 – KC’s favorite Flora dish
1:00:25 – KC’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan joined the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours at Spaces on March 14 to do a live podcast while members of the Chamber checked out the beautiful new co-working environment in Blue Back Square which opened for business on March 18. We had a chance to speak to a number of interesting people from. the community to find out more about them and get their thoughts about Spaces.
Photo Credit: Supriyo SB Chatterjee
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:38: Drew Angelo – Custom Concepts
5:00: Sally Flaig – Town & County Club
10:32: Mayor Shari Cantor
13:35: Alicia Davis & Stacey Watson – Transformative Leadership Strategies
20:32: Dustin – The Cook & The Bear
22:53: Joel Miller – Fast Signs
27:20: Mary Fay – West Hartford Town Council
31:34: Eric Brown – West Hartford Lock
35:30: Janice Gucciardi – Jabberhead
44:00: Jon Celentano – Spaces
49:40: Billy Grant IV – Ameriprise
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan speak to local media production guru David Chmielewski about leveraging the power of video to promote the best of a business or build a legacy story for special family occasions.
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro – David Chmielewski
2:35 – How Dave got started in media
3:45 – DirectLine Media services
4:45 – Family legacy videos
7:40 – Famous 60 second video
11:15 – Making people sound and look good doing video
12:45 – The evolution of digital camera equipment and software
14:30 – Anyone can create videos
16:37 – Dave’s journey as a business owner
20:40 – Helping people tell their story
25:20 – Networking for new business
26:30 – CT School of Broadcasting
27:35 – The power of video and what’s the right length?
34:00 – Using subtitles in video
36:12 – Dave’s most memorable moment in production
38:30 – Work with non-profits – New Britain EMS
39:55 – Dave’s favorite We-Ha dish
The Mandell JCC of Greater Hartford has long been a staple in the West Hartford community and throughout the area, and Jeff and Ryan had a chat with Executive Director David Jacobs and Board member and Channel 3 Eyewitness News Anchor Dennis House to talk about the programs and services the JCC has to offer. From the fitness center to kids and adult classes, there’s something for everyone as we learn the JCC is all about the community and the people. Check out the JCC website HERE and make sure to follow on social media:
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro – David and the History of the JCC
4:27 – Dennis’ involvement w/ JCC
6:00 – JCC is about the people
8:10 – The JCC Fitness Center
9:35 – Other programs and services
14:30 – Jonathan’s Dream
18:30 – New JCC logo and branding
19:45 – The JCC and social media
21:35 – The basketball court and program
23:45 – Memberships
25:05 – Signature events
27:00 – Helping Syrian refugees
28:00 – The pools at the JCC
29:19 – 400 pushups?
31:05 – David’s and Dennis’ favorite We-Ha dishes
We are knocking on spring’s door and if you are looking to lower your golf handicap this year, you’ll want to listen in to this week’s podcast as Jeff and Ryan talk with Dave Souza of GOLFTEC on New Britain Avenue. Dave tells us how GOLFTEC’s instruction process helps people improve their swing and their golf scores. In addition, we talk about the latest in golf technology and thoughts on the new rules of golf.
Get started playing better golf by checking out GOLFTEC’S website and book your lessons today!
FACEBOOK PAGE
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About Dave
4:30 – Interest in golf
6:40 – What is GOLFTEC?
8:15 – What is the GOLFTEC process?
10:40 – Most common development asks
11:25 – What’s the latest golf technology
15:35 – Making changes in the golf swing
19:00 – Highs and challenges of running a business with family
21:00 – 2019 rule changes
23:30 – Trends in the golf industry
27:10 – Dave’s dream foursome
31:50 – What clubs the pros play with
33:00 – If Dave can play any course, what would it be?
35:50 – Dave’s favorite We-Ha dish
**On this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan talk golf with Kevin Pasternack and Robert Palmer of the Rockledge Men’s Club. Spring (and golf season) is right around the corner so we had Kevin and Bob come in to talk about what’s new at Rockledge, the drastic new PGA golf rules which took effect in 2019 and this year's’ tournament schedule. You’ll be itching to break out the clubs after hearing this episode so we hope you enjoy and are getting ready to hit the links for the 2019 golf season!
Be sure to check out the CSGA Rules Seminar held at The Rockledge Grill at 10am March 2nd. For more information click here: https://www.rockledgemensclub.com/**
Stay updated on Rockledge by clicking the links below:
Rockledge Website
Facebook Page Episode Chapters:
0:00 - Intro Kevin & Bob/About Rockledge
5:50 - 30,000+ rounds per year but is interest in golf waning?
9:10 - Buena Vista
10:10 - CSGA event
12:45 - Highlights of the 2019 rule changes
22:20 - The Rockledge Men’s Club
24:30 - Greenskeeper’s Revenge and Foodshare
27:00 - 2019 Tournaments
29:38 - The new Rockledge Grill
31:35 - The Kicker
32:25 - Sponsoring Rockledge
35:25 - How to join
35:35 - Kevin and Bob’s dream foursome
36:35 - Kevin and Bob’s favorite We-Ha dishes
If you're not “smilin’” now, you will be after listening to this podcast! Meet Aaron and Joslyn Ammar, two West Hartford locals who built a positive lifestyle brand to help spread happiness while being a better self than you were yesterday. Jeff and Ryan talk with Aaron and Joslyn to discuss how the movement started, how anyone can jumpstart their day and the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people.
In addition, we discuss the recent launch of Aaron's new book Max Potential: On Happiness, Fulfillment, and Being Better Than You Were Yesterday
You can purchase the book on Amazon by CLICKING HERE
Be sure to check out the Always Smilin' website HERE
Follow on Social Media:
Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Episode Chapters:
0:00 - Intro Aaron and Joslyn
4:56 - What is Always Smilin’
6:15 - Mindset (it’s less about what happens to you but more about how you respond)
13:00 - Impact of social media on happiness
15:38 - How Aaron and Joslyn ended up in CT
17:35 - Connecticut a positive energy state?
21:30 - Setting your intentions
23:30 - Starting your day with gratitude
27:33 - How to turn a bad day around
30:00 - Writing the book
32:40 - Surround yourself with the right people
33:50 - Aaron and Joslyn’s mentors
36:17 - Max Potential
- The 5 pillars
- Choices
41:10 - What is your personal mission statement?
42:54 - Aaron and Joslyn’s favorite We-Ha dish
The next time you throw those food scraps away, you'll think again after hearing from Sam King, Guru of Marketing and Business Expansion at Blue Earth Compost. In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Sam discusses the importance of composting, how it works, how it contributes to renewable energy and the benefits to the environment.
Check out and sign up for Blue Earth's free trial HERE
Contribute to their crowdfunding campaign HERE
Episode Chapters
0:00 - Intro/About Sam/Blue Earth Compost
6:13 - About food waste
9:05 - Blue Earth composting services - “If it grows, it goes”
11:35 - Where does it go?
14:24 - The benefits of using compost
15:08 - The CT Farm Bill
18:30 - The food co-op
23:50 - Working with businesses and schools
25:30 - Blue Earth’s footprint
29:00 - Sam’s favorite We-Ha dish
31:38 - Crowdfunding Campaign
On this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff and Ryan chat with Cailin McBee of Balance Massage Therapy in West Hartford. We talk about the different types of services Cailin offers, what exactly Reiki healing is, and Cailin's tips on building and running a successful business.
Check out Balance Massage Therapy HERE and subscribe to Cailin's YouTube channel for helpful wellness tips.
On the heels of the State of the Town address at the Delamar Hotel on Jan. 31, Jeff and Ryan speak with Mayor Shari Cantor on this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast. We get to know Shari and her history of growing up in West Hartford while diving a little deeper into some of the many topics covered (and some others) during her annual State of the Town address.
WHC-TV recorded the State of the Town address, and it can be viewed in its entirety on YouTube by clicking here.
Follow Mayor Shari Cantor on Twitter @Cantorshari and check out some of the other topics mentioned in the episode:
Money Magazine Best Places to Live
The Town That Cares
Mayor’s Charity Ball
West Hartford’s Cantor Family Helps Keep Kids’ Hearts Beating
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About Shari
4:30 – State of the Town
6:15 – The “Tech Hub” and building a regional ecosystem
11:25 – Retaining young professionals in the region
13:15 – The retail struggle
15:30 – Bringing people together with experiences
18:20 – West Hartford is unique, what are other towns doing well?
20:35 – Town or city?
22:00 – What has Shari most excited for the future?
23:45 – Building higher and new development
25:45 – “Bridging” to Hartford
27:05 – LimeBikes and other methods of transportation
28:10 – What worries Shari the most?
31:41 – The Town That Cares and giving back
33:07 – The Mayor’s Charity Ball
34:05 – The new town logo
36:18 – The town manager
38:25 – Hearts are in the Cantor family’s heart
41:15 – Shari’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode, Jeff and Ryan sit down with Kim Zengerle of the newly-opened Ignite Fitness on South Main Street. Kim discusses her personal one-on-one coaching approach to helping people reach their fitness goals. We discuss the building and launching of her business from the ground up, how Ignite Fitness differentiates itself in a saturated fitness market, the best workouts you can do, and holding yourself accountable to reach your fitness goals.
To learn more about Kim and Ignite Fitness check out the links below:
Ignite Fitness Website
Facebook Page
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/About Kim
3:00 – What is Ignite Fitness, philosophy, equipment, exercises?
5:30 – Nutritional services
7:10 – What should new members expect?
9:50 – The single best exercise you can do
12:20 – Hurdles faced as a business owner
13:50 – Holding yourself accountable
15:15 – Coaching, classes and open gym
16:10 – Pricing packages
17:30 – Tracking your progress using technology
20:30 – Branding the business
22:25 – Keeping yourself motivated
23:20 – Plans to franchise?
25:40 – Advice for new business owners
26:38 – Getting enough sleep
28:50 – Kim’s goals
29:45 – Collaboration and charity in the West Hartford community
32:00 – Is powerlifting still a “thing”?
33:30 – Kim’s favorite We-Ha dish
Do you know the person behind the curtain of the locally famous (and universally hilarious) Facebook group, Weha enemies and distant cousins? Jeff and Ryan had a unique opportunity to sit down with Snarky Shark, founder of the satirical group that has attracted more than 3,000 local members. Part of the fun of the group is that no one really knows WHO the Shark is – so as you’ll hear in the podcast audio, we disguised voices to protect the identity and keep the mystery going.
In this episode, we learn about why the page was created, the story behind the Shark, hear about the famous (or perhaps more aptly called infamous) scavenger hunts and other events, and provide a glimpse into this “outlet” from the more serious side of things in and around West Hartford.
Check out the Weha enemies and distant cousins Facebook group and get ready to laugh!
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro/The Shark
2:00 – About Weha enemies and distant cousins
3:35 – The role of the Shark and where did the “Shark” name come from?
4:46 – What’s with the emojis?
5:40 – Most memorable posts (ice cream and raking leaves)
11:00 – Starting “fights”
12:43 – Group events
14:52 – The Shark reveal?
17:15 – Shark pups
19:00 – A hint?
20:05 – Thoughts on West Hartford as a community?
21:40 – How can I get a magnet?
24:00 – The Shark’s favorite WeHa dish
Jeff and Ryan sit with Joe DeFeo, Senior Development Coordinator of The Children’s Museum, a 91-year old institution in the West Hartford community that provides educational programs and interactive exhibits to children in the local community. We learn there is more to the museum that meets the eye – while discussing the museum’s role in rehabilitating animals, upcoming adult programs, and the history of Conny the Whale. (Can you guess where the name came from?) Also, we learn of possible relocation plans as The Children’s Museum continues to look toward the future.
Check out The Children’s Museum’s website and follow them on social media:
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro – Joe DeFeo/Background
3:50 – The Children’s Museum history
5:05 – The animal sanctuary
8:30 – TCM’s role in education
12:48 – Museum funding
15:10 – Adult programs and laser beams?
18:00 – Getting the word out – what’s working on social media?
20:40 – Conny the Whale
22:55 – Other animals
24:10 – A new home for TCM?
25:58 – 2019 Featured Exhibits
30:50 – Kid’s camps and programs
33:50 – Joe’s favorite We-Ha dish?
Jeff & Ryan had a chance to sit down with transitioning Executive Director of the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce, Barbara Lerner and NEW Executive Director, Chris Conway to discuss the Chamber’s role in the West Hartford community, how it has evolved, how businesses can benefit from the many programs and events and where things are heading in 2019 as Chris takes the reigns. We also learn about what’s next for Barbara as she heads into “retirement”.Follow the West Hartford Chamber of Commerce on the web and social media:
Episode Chapters
0:00 Intro
1:42 – About Barbara Lerner & her history w/ the WHCOC
4:20 – About Chris Conway
10:50 – Chamber Entrepreneurship & Business Network
13:23 – The COC reach and the original social network
15:48 – Chamber funding & work w/ non-profits
19:05 – West Hartford Restaurant Week
20:20 – Chamber initiatives in 2019
25:45 – Working with neighborhood associations
27:15 – Leveraging technology & social media
29:00 – Future Leaders of West Hartford
35:00 – 2019 signature events
36:00 – What’s next for Barbara
37:25 – WHCOC – “The Gold Standard”
40:18 – Barbara & Chris’ favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode we talk to John Lyons, a local West Hartfordite, known to many of you for his weather reports on Neighbors & Friends of West Hartford Facebook group – but as we learn, John is SO much more than that! Among many of the things discussed, we learned how John became the local neighborhood weatherman and his thoughts on the popular Neighbors and Friends group, his passion for cars, and his thoughts on local politics.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro John, the local “Weather Man”
5:00 – How John got interested in the weather
7:23 – Thoughts on Neighbors and Friends Facebook group
14:56 – WeHa Enemies and Distant Cousins
19:50 – Comedians & cars
29:10 – How the Experience We-Ha podcast started (John interviews us)
33:26 – Professional weatherman?
36:30 – Ronni Newton
38:45 – John on politics
49:27 – John’s favorite We-Ha dish
Jeff and Ryan sit down with Greg Confessore, Vice President of Cricket Press in West Hartford. In this episode, we learn how Greg got into the family business and has kept the business alive and thriving as a staple in the West Hartford community. See episode chapters for discussion points.
Contact Cricket Press for all your printing needs:
http://www.cricketpress.biz/
https://www.facebook.com/Cricket-Press-inc-408704511272/
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro Greg/About Cricket Press
6:20 – Cricket Press in the West Hartford community
9:20 – How Cricket Press has evolved over time
11:30 – Printing technology
14:00 – Most requested jobs
15:25 – 3D printing
17:15 – Promotional products and Greg’s new venture – High Tide
27:30 – Greg’s favorite We-Ha dish
On this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan chat with Cathy Davis of Bartlet Brainard Products, an exterior home remodeler who has been serving the West Hartford community for more than 82 years. Cathy talks about trends she is seeing in home building and remodeling, the Home Design District on New Park Avenue, and what homeowners should be cognizant of while maintaining their homes.
Episode Chapters
0:00 – Intro/About Cathy, Bartlett/Brainard
6:00 – About the Home Design District – New Park Avenue
10:30 – Biggest hurdles in business
12:20 – “Big box” competition
13:50 – Client “Wish Lists”/What’s trending in We-Ha?
15:05 – Home issues to watch out for (ice damming)
20:00 – Promoting the business
21:12 – What new homeowners should know
23:45 – What’s ahead for Bartlett Brainard
25:35 – Cathy’s favorite We-Ha dish
In the midst of the holiday season, what better time to talk hot chocolate!?! In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff and Ryan chat with West Hartford resident Ali Lazowski, Founder and CEO of Bare Life/Signature A LLC. Bare Life produces and sells hot cocoa made with 5 natural and allergen friendly ingredients and soon-to-be cookbooks and recipes.
Ali discusses her journey through chronic illness and how she turned that into a successful startup business. Ali shares her inspirations, how she leveraged crowdfunding, her obstacles as a business owner and entrepreneur and, of course her favorite We-Ha restaurants.
To learn more about Ali’s journey and her company, Bare Life, visit her website https://www.eatbarelife.com/
You can also find and follow Ali on social media:
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/Ali Lazowski/Bare Life
3:56 – Raising seed money via crowdfunding and ReSet
8:26 – Biggest hurdles in getting up and running and dealing with FDA
11:41 – Bare Life product and distribution
14:21 – The Bare Life Cookbook
15:51 – Hardest thing about being an entrepreneur
17:16 – Getting the word out and leveraging social media
22:19 – A business owner in the local community
24:22 – What’s ahead for Bare Life?
27:36 – Naming “Bare Life” & the lifestyle
31:46 – Ali’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan sit down with Christiane Gehami – chef and owner of West Hartford’s hidden gem, Arugula Bistro. We talk about how Chris got her start as a chef, her influences, and the history behind Arugula Bistro which has been a staple in West Hartford Center since 1996.
Check out Arugula Bistro’s NEW WEBSITE and make a reservation!
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
1:53 – How Christiane got started as a chef
7:20 – Cooking influences
11:15 – The Author?
12:07 – The “business owner”
14:20 – Chris’ guilty pleasure (she’s donut crazy!)
17:50 – Arugula Bistro
19:25 – Biggest struggle
20:40 – The Pianist?
23:08 – Christiane and West Hartford
27:20 – Christiane’s favorite WeHa dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan sit down with Claire Zick – teacher, producer, performer, and director of Improv Theatre. We talk about the art of improv and the upcoming improv production of “An Improvised Christmas Carol” playing at the Sea Tea Comedy Theatre in Hartford from Dec. 9-16.
For more information on Claire’s improv classes, click here.
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro
2:05 – About Claire
4:24 – What is Improv?
8:00 – “Being funny” vs. building a story?
9:08 – Improv basics and who is it for?
14:20 – The local improv community
17:05 – An Improvised Christmas
22:00 – Claire’s other productions
25:25 – How to get started in improv?
28:50 – How to get tickets for Improvised Christmas
In this episode, Jeff & Ryan speak to the creator of the popular, local Facebook group, Neighbors and Friends of West Hartford.
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha podcast, Jeff and Ryan talk with Patti Albee, creator, and administrator of the popular local Facebook group, Neighbors and Friends in West Hartford.
Episode Chapters:
1:23 – Intro Patti/How NF got its start
4:57 – Patti’s connection to West Hartford
7:45 – NF peak hours/days
8:49 – Handling information through NF
9:16 – Challenges as admin of NF
15:12 – How has NF evolved over the years
16:21 – Business Posting
18:08 – Using the group for research/polling
20:44 – Humor and sensitivity
23:32 – Local contributors – News/Weather
24:39 – What’s next for NF
27:55 – Patti’s favorite We-Ha dish
Welcome to West Hartford, a behind the scenes look with Jon Celentano of the new SPACES
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff and Ryan sit down with Brent Robertson of Fathom LLC. We talk about a myriad of topics with Brent – from helping organizations uncover their “why” to future design and about how the people with a “rock in their shoe” are making a difference in the world.
Brent on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brentrobertson
Fathom’s Website: http://bit.ly/2F6UNV4
Brent’s bio: Brent works with leaders to design futures worth fighting for. A partner at Fathom, he champions an approach to strategic planning, employee engagement, leadership succession and market differentiation that prioritizes people and relationships. As a result, his clients don’t simply plan their futures, they bring them to life through the energy of organization-wide involvement in, and commitment to, generating valuable businesses that matter.
Episode Chapters:
0:00 – Intro/Brent’s Affinity for West Hartford
3:15 – How Brent/Fathom got it’s start and finding a company’s “Why”
8:45 – The Foodshare project
13:25 – Types of organizations Brent works with
15:44 – Common issues in organizations
17:50 – Brent’s thoughts on artificial intellegence
21:25 – Breaking the rules
23:30 – Future Design
26:30 – Elon Musk and future designers
30:30 – People with a ‘rock in their shoe’
34:50 – Is Connecticut “America’s filing cabinet”?
37:30 – The emergence of blockchain
43:00 – The outside looking in
46:36 – Binary thinking
49:56 – Entrepreneurship & Civic Duty
51:30 – Brent on social media
52:20 – Brent’s favorite We-Ha dish
Dr. Allie has 25 years of chiropractic practice experience and offers a functional approach to her comprehensive chiropractic care, helping patients to reach and maintain their best health and fitness. In this episode, Jeff & Ryan get to know Dr. Allie and how she treats a variety of chronic conditions through chiropractic care, diet and nutrition recommendations, and overall wellness, and about her new store in West Hartford, Essential Health CT.
Learn more about Essential Health CT: https://essentialhealthct.com/
0:00 – Intro/How Dr. Allie got into Chiropractic care
4:04 – What is chiropractic care
7:08 – Chiropractic care for children
8:30 – Treating the cause vs. treating the symptom
10:00 – Diet & Nutrition
11:35 – “Good Meat & Dairy” vs. “Bad Meat & Dairy”
18:24 – Essential Health
22:58 – Food labels – What should people be concerned about
25:00 – Success stories of treating patients
26:20 – Kids and nutrition
29:10 – Other services Essential Health provides
30:45 – Small changes people can make to better health
35:35 – How Dr. Allie gets the word out
37:05 – Getting ready for cold & flu season
38:25 – Dr. Allie’s favorite We-Ha dish
In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Jeff & Ryan sit down with Whitney Sweeney of the Junior League of Hartford. Whitney and Bria discuss their roles, the role of the Junior League of Hartford in the community and the Volunteer-a-Thon kickoff party on Wednesday, November 7th.
Find out more about the event here and how you can get involved:
https://www.facebook.com/events/1912408748847499/
Junior League of Hartford Website: http://bit.ly/2F6UNV4
The Junior League of Hartford is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women and improving the community through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers.
Connor Millican, lead singer-songwriter of Wise Old Moon, originally from West Hartford, CT, and owner of IdleWilde Printing, joins Jeff & Ryan to discuss how he built his printing company out of a need for local musicians to create promotional merchandise on a smaller, local scale. We also discuss his life as a musician and his role in the resurgence of the Parkville section of Hartford.
https://www.facebook.com/WiseOldMoon/
http://idlewildeprinting.com/
In this episode, Jeff and Ryan get to know the story behind restaurateur and long-time West Hartford resident Billy Grant. We learn about how he got his start, his view of the evolving We-Ha restaurant landscape, and his Italian influences and how he incorporates them into his cooking. We also get to know Billy’s son, Billy Grant IV, who didn’t necessarily follow in his father’s footsteps as a chef but has adopted a work ethic from his father that has brought him success as a financial professional.
Episode Chapters:
Intro/How Billy got his start in the restaurant business
3:38 – Cooking @ Bricco and Charity Events
7:42 – Billy’s chef influences
8:26 – Taste of the Nation
9:55 – Staffing challenges
11:05 – Following in dad’s footsteps?
13:03 – Staff longevity and connecting with customers
15:12 – The restaurant landscape in West Hartford and competition
18:05 – The farm-to-chef/chef-to-farm trend
19:35 – Social media in the restaurant industry
20:45 – The story behind “Aunt Josie’s Sauce” and Italian cooking
21:35 – Billy’s favorite dish and traveling Italy
28:10 – What do the next 5-10 years look like? What’s trending?
30:20 – Hard work and loving what you do
35:00 – The plant-based/natural food movement
37:50 – BG Turkey Drive
43:50 – Working with other chefs who have gone on to new success
45:39 – Favorite non-Billy Grant dishes in We-Ha
Andrew Bachman of Trout Brook Landscaping joins us on the Experience We-Ha Podcast. As an arborist, he has an unbelievable passion for horticulture and gives is a great deal of information about the many different types of trees in and around West Hartford. Also, has Andrew found West Hartford’s tallest tree? Listen in or watch below to find out!
Fall is a great time to make sure your property is problem-free so make sure to contact Andrew Bachman for your landscaping or tree needs.
http://troutbrooktree.com/
Episode Chapters:
Intro/About Andrew & his passion for trees
3:40 – How TRB got it’s start
6:25 – TRB’s specialty as arborist
8:52 – Managing the business
14:50 – What goes into a good lawn job
17:00 – Storm work
22:00 – What is a “mature” tree and CT’s largest tree
30:25 – Trees as a risk
33:11 – Types of trees in West Hartford
36:10 – Marketing the business and being an expert
42:06 – Tree maintenance
43:05 – Fall/Winter prep
44:31 – Tree health and changing colors
45:58 – West Hartford’s tallest tree and tree growth
49:50 – How to get in touch with Andrew
50:16 – Andrew’s favorite dish
If you’ve ever experienced We-Ha nightlife or just have been strolling around the center of town later at night you’ll hear music pumping almost at every corner. It’s very likely, one of those DJ’s is Brandon Blain AKA DJ Darth Fader. In this episode of the Experience We-Ha Podcast, Ryan and Jeff get to know more about the life of a DJ, how the art has evolved and what’s next for Brandon.
You can follow DJ Darth Fader on the following social media platforms:
https://www.facebook.com/DJDarthFader/
https://www.instagram.com/djdarthfader/
Episode Chapters:
Intro/The story behind DJ Darth Fader
6:37 – Balancing family and DJ nightlife
8:17 – Open-format DJing
13:47 – Reading the crowd and mixing it up
17:59 – Taking requests
23:47 – Silent disco
26:37 – Brandon’s favorite gigs
29:55 – How to stand out and leverage social media
35:00 – DJ vs Live music
38:45 – The keys to success – Knowing your customers
40:20 – The birth of “DJ Darth Fader”
47:05 – What’s next and Society of Sounds
57:45 – Brandon’s favorite We-Ha dish
In our first VIDEO episode, Ryan Keating and Jeff Lovanio learn how to taste wine with the host of Maximum Beverage’s “Brown Baggin’ It,” Matt Whitney. This was a tall order for Matt as you’ll see Ryan and I need a LOT of training but Matt does a great job and guides us through the proper way to taste.
Check out Maximum Beverage’s YouTube channel and subscribe for more Brown Baggin’ It episodes – http://bit.ly/2DKcXLy
Episode Chapters:
Intro/The history of Maximum Beverage
6:31 – Matt teaches the art of wine tasting
16:20 – Challenges in the beverage industry
17:40 – Promoting the business
20:00 – 6th Annual We-Ha Whiskey Festival
22:15 – What Matt likes to drink
23:00 – The holiday season and the busiest day of the year
26:36 – How Brown Baggin’ It came to be
32:55 – Special Experience We-Ha Brown Baggin’ It Episode
In this episode, Ryan Keating and Jeff Lovanio turn the tables on Ronni Newton, Founder and Editor of We-Ha.com, and ask her the questions about how she built a successful hyperlocal media and news site in West Hartford.
Episode Chapters:
Intro/How Ronni got started and how We-Ha.com came to be
7:50 – The launch of We-Ha.com
8:50 – Biggest challenges
10:50 – Growing the audience
15:45 – Leveraging social media and locals
20:40 – The Business Buzz
24:45 – Maintaining a fair & balanced news site
27:40 – Content sourcing and publishing
30:15 – How Ronni gets it all done
38:20 – Favorite West Hartford spots
42:05 – Ronni’s favorite places to eat
Our inaugural episode with special guest, Tracy Flater, Co-Founder of Playhouse Theatre Group. Ryan Keating and Jeff Lovanio interview Tracy Flater, co-founder of Playhouse Theatre Group as Season 10 kicks off at Playhouse on Park.
Episode Notes:
0:00 – Intro
1:40 – How Playhouse on Park got started
3:30 – More than just a theatre
7:28 – Tracy’s favorite productions
10:00 – Mama D’s Burlesque
12:00 – Playhouse Firsts
13:42 – Tracy’s biggest challenges
18:57 – Selecting the lineup of main stage productions
23:00 – What’s in store for season 10
33:00 – POP and the Mayor’s Charity Ball
35:40 – Tracy’s favorite dish in West Hartford