Positive Blatherings Podcast: Recent Episodes
ROC Vox Podcast Network
Scott "Fitz" is a radio host in Rochester, NY and a filmmaker who has battled depression and celebrates sobriety. His podcast is his attempt to surround himself with positive successful people and to just have an organic conversation. Join him as he takes an organic approach to the standard interview. No preparation, no script. Letting the conversation have a mind of its own: a Blathering.
Dean Lucas lost his son Lee to a heroin overdose on December 23, 2016. Ten years later, the motorcycle ride he built in Lee's name has raised close to half a million dollars and a wing of a Rochester advocacy center carries his son's name. This August is the last one.
In this episode Dean joins Fitz at ROC Vox to walk through all of it. What the Wayne County Sheriff told him days after Lee died about bags deliberately made strong enough to kill. Why he puts his arm around the people selling the drug that took his son. What a decade of turning grief into a fundraiser actually costs, including the crash that comes every year the week after the ride. He also lays out exactly what happens on ride day, where every dollar goes now, and what the line on the back of this year's shirt means.
CONNECT
Lee Lucas Memorial Poker Run → https://leelucasride.com/
Father Tracy Advocacy Center → https://www.fathertracycenter.org
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Bushnell's Basin, NY.
Learn more at https://rocvox.com
R. Greg Adams built a career out of turning niche ideas into national brands, self-publishing Firehouse Cooking three decades ago and landing on Good Morning America, QVC, and Random House along the way. Now he's turning his pen toward something far more personal: a memoir about surviving a 2015 sexual assault by his own doctor, and the years he spent watching police, a district attorney, and a hospital system look away.
In this episode he walks through what happened, why the Brighton Police Department, Rochester Police Department, and Monroe County's then-district attorney declined to act, and how a recorded admission from Dr. Gareth Warren eventually helped him win in court and expose that his doctor was never actually board certified. He also talks candidly about the data on male sexual assault survivors, and why he sees survival as a lifelong process rather than a finish line.
CONNECT
Strong Survivor (preorder) → https://thestrongsurvivor.com
Salvatore's Pizza → https://salvatores.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Bushnell's Basin, NY.
Learn more at https://rocvox.com
What if the person with no superpowers, in a world where everyone else has one, turns out to be the most important character in the room? Michael Solis joins Fitz at ROC Vox to talk about Deficient, his YA sci-fi novel set in a near future where super-powered people are the majority and one 15-year-old boy is the last kind of outcast anyone saw coming. The conversation moves well beyond the book: Michael's coming out story, Fitz's experience raising a trans son, what it takes to get your book rights back and build your own press from scratch, and what 20 years responding to Ebola outbreaks and floods in West Africa has to do with writing fiction.
In this episode, Michael walks through the ability hierarchy he built for the novel and why he made it as brutal as he did, the personal experiences woven into the characters without ever appearing by name in the text, what happens when the only person who responded right to a coming out said just three words, and why he walked away from humanitarian work and moved to Rochester to run Writers and Books and release his books on his own terms.
CONNECT
Michael Solis: https://michaelsolisauthor.com
Writers and Books: https://wab.org
ROC Vox: https://rocvox.com
Salvatore's: https://salvatores.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox in Bushnell's Basin, NY.
Dave Mammano ran Next Step Magazine for 21 years — a print publication for high school students that grew to 17 editions and $5 million in revenue. When print died, he sold it, rebuilt from scratch, survived COVID wiping out his events business, and somehow ended up back on stage doing stand-up comedy. He now travels the country as a keynote speaker teaching businesses how to use humor and levity to grow leadership, culture, and retention. He's also entrepreneur-in-residence at the Golisano Institute and the U of R Simon School's Ain Center for Entrepreneurship.
In this episode he gets into selling Next Step after 21 years and what it really feels like to let go of something you built, how he launched the Avanti Entrepreneur Network from nothing, why COVID knocked him down twice, how reviving his stand-up comedy roots turned into a full-time speaking career, what he sees in today's young entrepreneurs that gives him real hope, the value of truly disconnecting (lessons from three weeks in Sicily with no Wi-Fi), and his next big idea, a road trip TV show called The Good Business Tour.
CONNECT
The David Mammano Show → https://davidmammano.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes of Positive Blatherings drop every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Bushnell's Basin,
NY.
Learn more at https://rocvox.com
Marketing insurance agents nationwide sounds like a contradiction, but Uptown Marketing founder Martina Barley built a thirteen person, all female agency doing exactly that. Martina joins Fitz at ROC Vox to talk about her path from an unlicensed State Farm sales assistant to the self described "Michael Jordan of sales," and why the confidence that built her business almost got in the way of leading her team.
In this episode, you'll learn how Martina grew Uptown Marketing from three founders to thirteen employees, why she believes sales and leadership are two completely different skill sets, how she convinces insurance agents to actually invest in their online presence, and what she tells clients about AI replacing, or not replacing, their jobs. CHAPTERS
CONNECT
Uptown Marketing → https://uptownmarketing.com
The Marketing Girl (book) → https://www.amazon.com/Marketing-Girl-Trusting-Intuition-Confidence/dp/1956464484
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
Salvatore's → https://salvatores.com
New episodes of Positive Blatherings drop every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Bushnell's Basin, NY.
Learn more at https://rocvox.com
Jon Goehring spent years behind the mic at Rochester radio stations before leaving it to build StoryTrust Media, a podcast production company built on one idea: your stories build trust with your audience whether you mean them to or not. He joins Fitz at ROC Vox to talk about what radio actually prepares you for, why collaboration beat competition in his business, and how two people running similar races figured out they weren't really competing at all.
In this episode, Jon explains why he tells his Brockport students not to marry radio, the moment he stopped auditioning for everything and started referring work to other talent, how faith shapes the way he runs StoryTrust, and what he'd tell his 15-year-old self about ignoring everyone else's formula for success.
CONNECT
StoryTrust Media (Jon Goehring) → https://storytrust.media Limitless
Leadership Lounge → https://limitlessleadershippodcast.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Bushnell's Basin, NY.
Learn more at https://rocvox.com
Sarina Morales spent years as an ESPN anchor and Los Angeles Rams sideline reporter before Bally Sports went bankrupt, she became a single mother, and everything she had built changed at once. She surveyed what came next, found WeTheHobby, and landed in the one place where every thread of her career finally connected.
In this episode she gets into the psychological techniques she developed for drawing out reluctant NFL players, the framework she built for grieving without getting stuck, why she argued at Newhouse in 2004 that content belongs on YouTube and Facebook before either platform supported video, the near-death experiences that explain why she still has what she calls zest for life, and the Bronx baseball story she used to get into Syracuse, where a 15-year-old girl showed up to practice on Monday after an entire opposing team sat down on the field to protest her.
CONNECT
Sarina Morales on Instagram → @moralesmorales
WeTheHobby → https://wethehobby.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
Maria Pascucci-Maciejewski spent over 20 years helping others manage perfectionism and anxiety. She launched a national speaking business at 27, wrote a book, delivered a TEDx talk, and coached hundreds of students through the hidden costs of needing to be perfect. In the summer of 2024, it all caught up with her.
In this episode she gets into the childhood bullying that became perfectionism, the 3.92 GPA that came with panic attacks in college bathrooms, and why none of it was enough to stop a complete nervous system breakdown, a suicide attempt, and 34 days in a psychiatric hospital over the holidays. She also talks about what actually pulled her back, why nutrition belongs in every mental health conversation, and what she is building now.
CONNECT
You Can Bounce Back → https://youcanbounceback.com
Campus Calm → https://campuscalm.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Pittsford, NY. Learn more at https://rocvox.com
(00:00:00) Welcome to ROC Vox — Introducing Coach Jim Johnson
(00:01:03) Getting Cut and Getting Fired — A Humbling Start to Coaching
(00:02:45) Becoming a Leadership Junkie — Zig Ziglar Jim Rohn and the Personal Growth Pivot
(00:06:06) The One-Hit Wonder Problem — Staying at the Top Is Harder Than Getting There
(00:07:03) Lead by Respect Not Fear — The Wrong Way to Lead
(00:08:36) Relationships Relationships Relationships — The Three Rs of Leadership
(00:10:06) The Intentional Trust Plan Most Leaders Have Never Built
(00:11:24) Always On Stage — Leading by Example and the Tie Story
(00:17:48) Advice for New Coaches — Are You In It for the Right Reasons?
(00:21:06) How Coaching Young People Has Changed in 35 Years
(00:23:51) Purpose Self-Reflection and Personal Mission Statements
(00:25:21) The J-Mac Story — February 15 2006 and the Speech Career It Started
(00:27:04) Become the Chief Storyteller — Warnings Examples and Reading the Room
(00:34:42) Staying Fresh — Intentional Personal Growth and Servant Leadership
(00:43:15) What's Next — Books Podcast and How to Find Coach Jim Johnson
Coach Jim Johnson spent 35 years coaching high school basketball in Rochester with 428 wins, three programs turned around, and one game on February 15, 2006 that landed him in the Oval Office. In this episode, he gets into what it actually looks like to build trust on purpose, why the leaders who sustain success are doing something most teams never think about, and how the lessons from a gym floor translate directly into any room where someone's trying to lead people.
CONNECT
Coach Jim Johnson → https://coachjimjohnson.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Bushnell's Basin, NY. Learn more at https://rocvox.com.
(00:00:00) Cold Open: What is the Eclipse Effect?
(00:00:45) Welcome Back and the Non-Conformist Oath
(00:03:47) Ella's Five-Year Plan and the 2017 Missouri Eclipse
(00:06:00) Building Rochester's Eclipse Task force: 750 Volunteers, No Budget
(00:12:00) Co-Chairing the National Eclipse Task Force
(00:14:27) The Dreadful Lack of Agency and What To Do About It
(00:17:21) Bonding vs. Bridging: The Two Kinds of Social Capital
(00:21:09) The Network Graph: Making Invisible Connections Visible
(00:28:51) Stories From the National Eclipse Effort
(00:39:09) On Failure, Grade, and Raising Kids Outside the System
Deborah Ross watched the 2017 solar eclipse from a field in Kimmswick, Missouri and came home convinced of two things: Rochester needed to be ready for 2024, and it was going to be her job to make that happen. What she built with 750 volunteers, no budget, and six years of monthly meetings became both a defining moment for this region and the foundation of a book.
In this episode, she breaks down how an eclipse becomes a community organizing tool, what servant leadership actually looks like when you're asking hundreds of people to work for free, and why the principles behind The Eclipse Effect apply to any catalyst, a natural disaster, a federal funding cut, or the Olympics coming to your town.
CONNECT
The Eclipse Effect → https://theeclipseeffect.com
Kids Out and About → https://kidsoutandabout.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Pittsford, NY. Learn more at https://rocvox.com
Melissa Suchodolski told someone once that getting into construction was "absurd." That was 25 years ago. Today, she runs USC Builds, a 140-person Rochester contracting firm, and a workforce development nonprofit that Governor Hochul wants to replicate across New York State.
In this episode, she gets into what it actually looks like to build a company culture most firms won't even try, what it cost to fire a client who represented a third of her annual revenue, and why the construction industry's labor crisis is a competitive advantage for anyone who started this work early.
CHAPTERS
00:12 Welcome and the Non-Conformist Oath
01:09 How Fitz and Melissa Met at the Jewish Home of Rochester
11:25 Why More Americans Should Travel Abroad
12:23 Meet USC Builds: 25 Years Building People Through Construction
13:31 From History Major to Construction President
16:26 Why a Skilled Trade Can Never Be Taken Away
19:33 What a Trauma-Informed Workplace Looks Like in Construction
27:43 Why She Fired Her Second-Biggest Client Over Racism on the Job Site
30:42 The Construction Labor Crisis and Who's Already Positioned to Win
34:39 Ascend Workforce Solutions and the Governor's Attention
41:20 Trauma as a Superpower
42:51 This or That
CONNECT
USC Builds → https://uscbuilds.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
Recorded at ROC Vox Recording & Production in Pittsford, NY. Learn more at https://rocvox.com.
Chad Marks was sentenced to 40 years in federal prison at 24 years old — and from his cell, he wrote the legal argument that freed thousands.
Chad Marks — Rochester native, published author, paralegal, and founder of Blood on the Razor Wire — joins Fitz at ROC Vox to tell the full story: growing up poor on Lyle Avenue, the drug dealing, the 40-year federal sentence, the First Step Act argument that no attorney believed in, and what he's built since walking out — a paralegal practice, a sober living house, a YouTube channel, a book, and a possible Netflix series.
In this episode: how federal prison actually works, what a 40-year sentence does to your psychology, 14 months in solitary, the PTSD nobody talks about, what's most broken in the system, and why your worst day on the outside still beats your best day in there.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold Open and Introduction
2:10 Growing Up Poor in Rochester: How It Started
3:19 The First Step Act and the Argument That Freed Thousands
6:26 The Reality of Federal Prison: Big Sandy and the Violence
10:18 The 40-Year Sentence and Judge Larimer
15:49 Life After Release: Giving Back to the Community
19:01 Writing Motions From His Cell and Getting 20 Out
24:40 The Mission: Blood on the Razor Wire
28:11 What's Most Broken in the Prison System
34:24 Misconceptions: What Prison Actually Does to You
35:14 PTSD, Counseling, and Relearning Normal Life
43:49 The SHU: 14 Months in Solitary
CONNECT
Blood on the Razor Wire (book) → https://www.amazon.com/Blood-Razor-Wire-journey-through/dp/B08N9DP62B
Blood on the Razor Wire TV → https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2BfsAN7eb-76zlPmVbetgQ
Freedom Fighters PC → https://www.freedomfighterspc.com
The First Step Act ruling → https://www.criminallegalnews.org/news/2020/may/15/federal-judge-issues-order-reducing-40-year-stacked-924c-sentence-based-first-step-act-changes-compassionate-release/
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
BloodOnTheRazorWire #FirstStepAct #FederalPrison #PrisonReform #JailhouseLawyer #CriminalJusticeReform #PositiveBlatherings #ROCVox #PositivePodcast
EFT tapping might be the most powerful business tool your competitors have never heard of — and Raeanne Lacatena has been quietly putting it to work with billionaires, burned-out founders, and entrepreneurs who've run out of runway on the grind-and-push model.
Raeanne Lacatena — licensed clinical social worker, certified professional coach, reiki master, and five-time #1 bestselling author of The Integrated Entrepreneur — joins Fitz at ROC Vox to explain why burned-out entrepreneurs aren't failing because of bad strategy. They're failing because nobody ever taught them how to manage what's happening inside their own nervous system.
In this episode: what EFT tapping is and why it works, how Raeanne gets skeptical clients — including billionaires — to try it, why stress literally shuts down your best thinking, the Maslow tier most people have never heard of, and what it cost Raeanne personally to put her full story into a book.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Cold Open: Tapping in Traffic
1:17 Raeanne's Path: From Helper to Integrated Coach
7:50 What Entrepreneurs Struggle With Most
9:00 EFT Tapping: What It Is and Why It Works
13:02 Raising Self-Regulating Kids With EFT
15:26 The Lizard Brain: Why Stress Kills Clear Thinking
19:37 EFT Meridian Points: Nausea, Anxiety, and Golf
26:04 Writing the Book: Vulnerability and Bestseller
28:55 Self-Transcendence: Mission Over Ego
36:37 Pediatric Palliative Care: Where Reiki Began
40:50 What Schools Don't Teach: Emotional Intelligence
CONNECT
The Integrated Entrepreneur → https://www.theintegratedentrepreneur.com
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
EFTTapping #EmotionalFreedomTechnique #Burnout #EntrepreneurMindset #NervousSystemRegulation #SelfTranscendence #PositiveBlatherings #ROCVox #PositivePodcast
Before Peter Conners ran one of America's most respected poetry presses, he was following the Grateful Dead across the country in a van.
Conners is the Publisher and Executive Director of BOA Editions — a Rochester-based nonprofit that has quietly won Pulitzer Prizes, national awards, and the respect of the entire literary world for 50 years, while most Rochesterians have no idea it exists. He joins Fitz at ROC Vox to talk about how a self-described troublemaker from Sutherland High School ended up running an institution — and why, at its 50th anniversary, losing its federal funding isn't going to stop it.
In this episode: BOA's controversial first book by a Pulitzer Prize winner no one else would publish, why nonprofit publishers are the only thing standing between the world and the end of new poetry, the brutal economics of audiobooks (sell 1,000 copies, make $100), and what a decade of sobriety taught Peter about what publishing is really for.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Welcome to Positive Blatherings
00:56 Meet Peter Conners and BOA Editions
02:18 The Founding Story: First Book to First Pulitzer
07:44 Why Poetry Needs Nonprofit Publishers
09:09 20 Years of Publishing's Digital Revolution
13:28 The Hard Truth About Audiobook Economics
18:28 From Troublemaker to Writer: Peter's Origin Story
22:00 A Family Defined by Service
25:20 How Peter Became BOA's Publisher
31:49 Going Public: Writing His Own Story
36:38 Sobriety, Recovery, and Giving Back
42:05 BOA's Future: Surviving the NEA Cut
CONNECT
BOA Editions → https://www.boaeditions.org
Peter Conners → https://www.peterconners.net
Growing Up Dead: The Hallucinated Confessions of a Teenage Deadhead → https://www.amazon.com/Growing-Up-Dead-Hallucinated-Confessions/dp/0306817330
Merch Table Blues → https://www.amazon.com/Merch-Table-Blues-Peter-Conners/dp/1945665319
Box of Rain documentary → https://www.amazon.com/Grateful-Dead-Box-Rain/dp/B0D19TCPPM
Writers & Books Rochester → https://wab.org
ROC Vox → https://rocvox.com
New episodes every Tuesday.
BOAEditions #Poetry #IndependentPublishing #Rochester #RochesterNY #LiteraryPublishing #PoetryBooks #NonprofitArts #GratefulDead #PeterConners #PositiveBlatherings #ROCVox #Memoir #BookPublishing #IndependentPress #ArtsAdvocacy #SmallPress #WritingLife #AuthorInterview #BookCommunity #LiteraryWorld #ReadMorePoetry #RochesterArts #Deadhead #GratefulDeadCommunity #NEAFunding #PoetryLovers #WritersAndBooks #Sobriety #PublishingIndustry
Most conversations — at work, across the dinner table, across the political divide — are failing. Executive coach Keith Greer says the reason is simple: we're all addicted to being right.
Keith Greer, Executive Coach and leadership development specialist, joins Fitz at ROC Vox for a return visit six years in the making. With 40+ years spanning clinical social work, family therapy, and executive coaching, Keith brings the full weight of his career to one question: why do most conversations miss the mark — and what actually works? In this episode you'll hear the neuroscience behind why certain leadership behaviors destroy team trust, how Conversational Intelligence explains what happens in your team's brain during that conference room pitch, and why the single most powerful thing any of us can do right now — in the office, at the Thanksgiving table, or across the political divide — is stop talking and listen.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Intro: Keith Returns After Six Years
01:23 The Grandpa Gig: Love, Fun, and Three Grandsons
07:50 Building a Coaching Practice on His Own Terms
10:00 Why Technical Brilliance Doesn't Make a Leader
14:51 Family Businesses: Where Bloodlines Meet Business
20:44 Why You Can't Inject Motivation Into Someone
22:38 Conversational Intelligence and the Neuroscience of Trust
26:23 The "Addiction to Being Right" Kills Conversations
33:50 Self-Awareness Is Courageous Work, Not "Touchy-Feely"
35:04 Shut Up and Listen: The #1 Conversation Strategy
38:40 Productive Disagreement Across the Political Divide
46:21 Finding Common Ground Through Shared Humanity
CONNECT
Keith Greer Coaching → https://www.keithgreercoaching.com
ROC Vox → https://www.rocvox.com
Fresh doses of Positivity every Tuesday and Wednesday.
ConversationalIntelligence #LeadershipDevelopment #ExecutiveCoaching #MotivationalInterviewing #LeadershipSkills #FamilyBusiness #SelfAwareness #ActiveListening #NeuroscienceOfLeadership #PositiveBlatherings #ROCVox #Rochester #CommunicationSkills #TeamBuilding #LeadershipCoaching #PersonalDevelopment #MindsetShift #WorkplaceWellness #ProductiveConversations #EmotionalIntelligence
She heard a voice say "pain is coming" — and ten days later, her seven-year-old son was gone.
Meg Fitzgerald joins her cousin Scott Fitzgerald at ROC Vox to talk about what happens when you decide grief is going to mean something. In this episode of Positive Blatherings, Meg shares the story behind her new book Don't Miss the Magic — a twelve-year journey through loss, spiritual awakening, synchronicities that defy explanation, and the daily practices that kept her alive when survival felt impossible.
You'll hear how Meg built a personal prescription for grief that anyone going through a hard season can use, how she discovered that internal energy changes outcomes in ways that words and body language alone cannot, what it felt like to receive undeniable signs from her son Ryan across multiple mediums and years, and how a voice at a stoplight — and a seven-year-old's dream of a million stuffed animals — shaped the rest of her life.
CHAPTERS
0:00 Welcome Back to Positive Blatherings
1:37 Meet Meg Fitzgerald
5:01 Ryan's Story: The Accident and the First Night
7:47 The Voice That Said Pain Is Coming
10:00 The First Signs: Ryan's Name in the Lake
11:51 Searching for Meaning: Spirituality and Survival
17:00 The Daily Prescription for Grief
23:00 The Ryan Batchelder Foundation and Little Hugs
25:00 Energy, Intention, and What Changes Outcomes
28:20 Sending Love to Every Situation
35:38 Don't Miss the Magic: About the Book
37:30 How a Medium Told Meg She Was Writing a Book
43:30 What's Next: Speaking and a Book for Young People
45:50 Celebrate Your Life Conference and Lisa Williams
56:08 The Pink Tutu Meditation and Tina's Daughter Mia
58:13 How You Win the Game
interviewpodcast #tragedy #tragicloss #lifelessons #grief #losingachid #movingforward #boatingaccident
SoccerSam Fantauzzo built Salvatore's Pizza from a high school home economics project into 35 Rochester locations — then lost his memory and had to learn everything over again.
Salvatore "SoccerSam" Fantauzzo, CEO and founder of Salvatore's Pizza, joins Scott Fitzgerald at ROC Vox for the season opener of Positive Blathering. Sam tells the full story: a grandfather who never stopped loving Rochester, going to work at 12 after his father's heart attack, opening the first Salvatore's on East Main Street in 1978, surviving a near-death experience during gastric bypass surgery that erased his memory completely — and how an indoor soccer team he started to reconnect with his past accidentally became the executive team that took Salvatore's from 15 locations to 35.
In this episode you'll hear how Fred's Meat Market built Sam's standard for quality, why he deliberately walks away the moment a new franchise opens, what it takes to build consistency across 35 locations, and why at 65 he still can't let go of the one part of the business he loves most.
CHAPTERS
00:00 The Perfectionist Behind Salvatore's Pizza
01:02 Welcome to Positive Blathering — Meet SoccerSam
02:35 Grandpa Charlie and the Love of Rochester
03:21 A Father's Heart Attack and Working at 12
06:57 Fred's Meat Market and the Standard of Quality
09:41 How Fitz First Heard SoccerSam's Story
10:43 Gastric Bypass, Memory Loss, and Coming Back
14:00 Where Salvatore's Was When It All Happened
15:11 How the Rochester Lancers Built His Executive Team
19:06 The Mindset Shift After Losing Everything
21:10 SoccerSam's Cameo in Bottom Feeders
26:27 Building a Family Culture at Salvatore's
28:01 Franchisee Autonomy and the Art of Letting Go
31:29 Why He Can't Walk Away From Marketing
33:02 Advice for Young Entrepreneurs: Find What You Love
34:19 The Early Salvatore's — Competition and Starting From Nothing
35:20 Delivery, Pizza Conventions, and Two Radio Accidents
38:16 Never Stop Learning: The Pizza Convention Philosophy
39:54 What's Next for Salvatore's
44:28 Consistency Across 35 Locations — How It Got Built
46:37 Proprietary Recipes Protect the Brand
48:00 Luck Is Preparation Meeting Opportunity
50:08 The Thin Thin Pizza and Always-On Marketing
52:02 Wrapping Up — Thank You SoccerSam
CONNECT
Salvatore's Pizza → salvatores.com
ROC Vox → rocvox.com
Bottom Feeders → Amazon Prime - https://www.amazon.com/gp/video/detail/B091XKZJ7X/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_r
New interviews every Wednesday at 10AM
SoccerSam #SalvatoresPizza #Rochester #RochesterNY #Entrepreneurship #PizzaBusiness #FranchiseBusiness #SmallBusiness #FounderStory #BusinessMindset #PositiveBlathering #ROCVox #Resilience #LocalBusiness #StartupStory #BusinessGrowth #Franchising #FamilyBusiness #PersonalDevelopment #Persistence #WorkEthic #MindsetMatters #RochesterFood #PizzaLovers #BusinessLeadership #SuccessStory #Pivot #GrowthMindset #CommunityFirst #ROCFood
In this episode of Positive Blatherings, Scott sits down with Stacey Steinmiller, founder of Radical Evolution, to explore the power of personal growth and self-awareness. Stacey shares her inspiring journey from running her own therapy practice to launching a thriving coaching business. Learn how embracing self-responsibility, managing reactions, and overcoming resistance can transform your business and personal life. If you’re looking to improve your mindset, achieve business success, or simply become a better version of yourself, this conversation is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.
David Autovino gave me the impression of someone who accidentally fell into performing and just kept doing it. It's because, for David, performance seems effortless, but he works as hard at his craft as any successful performer. David graces the stage, the screen and the booth but doesn't stop there - he shares his knowledge with people who want to improve their acting or voice chops. He's the real deal: talented and humble.
He's also a husband, father and super nice chap. Drop by and listen to this Blathering with one of my favorite talents, David Autovino.
Find him on socials and the interwebs: https://davidautovino.wixsite.com/actor
Scott Grates is a self made success story. I was fortunate to meet him when he was a guest on Uptown Girls podcast, a show produced at ROC Vox about marketing and success, hosted by Martina Barley.
I immediately liked Scott's approach to business and life in general, so I asked him to Blather with me. His latest book, Referrals Done Right, is a master class in relationships. When you think of Referrals, you think of business - but it goes deeper.
Scott and I blather about my favorite success principles, I tee up the questions and he crushes them - straight down the fairway. Join me with Scott Grates and make sure you take notes!
Find Scott at
ScottGrates.com
ReferralsDoneRightBook.com
I'm an audiobook aficionado and sometimes I don't know what to listen to. I will scan Audible for hours just trying to decide on a book to listen to. One day I decided to take a chance on an author I had never heard of and knew nothing about. The book is called "The Life We Bury" and I loved it. It enticed me to look into the author, Allen Eskens. A former attorney from Minnesota who went from lawyer to novelist and has been quite successful at taking his knowledge of the law and his love of writing to create a new career. Visit AllenEskens.com for his entire library of books, many of which have reoccurring characters and stories that connect in some really creative and exciting ways.
Episode 109 was with Ryan Dacko and we discussed the wildly popular Jaws Obsession Podcast and his quest to write The Book of Quint. It has been written, it was self-published and then was picked up by a small but visionary publisher. He found an agent with his passion for this story and now the rest will soon be history. Ryan Dacko GETS SHIT DONE. Hang out with us for an update on The Book of Quint and all things JAWS!
Subscribe to all things, listen and order here: https://linktr.ee/bookofquint
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Wilmot, a man with an incredible journey in both the film and sobriety communities. We shared our experiences in the film industry, our personal struggles, and the importance of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges. Chris, whose family has a rich history of political involvement and success, showed us how these experiences have shaped who he is today.
During our conversation, Chris opened up about his 40-year journey to sobriety, which was supported by his family and the power of external support. We explored his career path, from working as an associate producer to acting in various film projects, and how his passion for film and politics intertwined. Chris's story is truly inspiring and offers hope to those facing their own sobriety challenges.
We also delved into the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry, discussing the challenges of producing and marketing films in today's world of streaming platforms and cable TV. Our reflections on the industry, together with Chris's insights, made for a compelling conversation you won't want to miss. So, tune in and be inspired by Chris Wilmot's incredible story, his dedication to sobriety, and his passion for chasing dreams.
In this fascinating episode, we explore the unconventional journey of artist and photographer James Christopher Knight. From Rochester to Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, and back to Rochester, James shares his experiences in the arts, communications, filmmaking, and playing in rock bands in LA. We discuss the importance of following our passions, the evolution of music formats, the cathartic nature of writing, and the impact of AI technology on various industries. We also dive into the beauty of Rochester and James' exciting new project, "Paris Love Affair," which aims to help young people experience Paris and its rich culture. Join us as we discuss the ups and downs of pursuing a dream, acknowledging negativity to achieve positive outcomes, and the benefits of experiencing life consciously.
Video: https://youtu.be/3_WvJstTXgE
In the film Jaws, Matt Hooper tells Mayor Larry Vaughn that sharks are a "Miracle of Evolution", in that all they do is swim, eat and make baby sharks. Today's Blathering guest is a miracle of evolution because Ryan Dacko has evolved over and over again. His latest evolution has given us The Jaws Obsession Podcast and The Book of Quint. The latter being a derivative work of Jaws as the backstory of Captain Quint. Ryan is the kind of guy who, when he decides he is going to do something, you can bet money he will do it. He decided he was going to make a 16mm film, so he went to NYC and bought a camera. He decided he wanted to gain the attention of a Hollywood Producer by running across the United States. Now, he wants to convince the world that Jaws is the greatest movie of all time. Some of us don't need much convincing. Ryan impressed the hell out of me when I heard the opening theme for episode one of the Jaws Obsession Podcast (jawsOB.com) and he continues to impress me. He is as down to earth as anyone can be and is as disciplined a man I have ever seen. This is one of my favorite episodes to date which is why it is twice the length of a typical Blathering. Listen to this, then listen to his podcast.
The video version is here:
Anthony Caruso has an interesting story about life, recovery, art - and his perspective on joy is inspiring. Join us as we Blather about how Anthony found his way to a new life through art and recovery.
You can find him on social media platforms and also www.artofrecovery.me
Jowita Bydlowska is no stranger to struggle. She has harnessed her struggles into her writing. In this Blathering, I have a candid conversation about her first book, Drunk Mom - her writing style, living as a single mom and author, plus why she believes her most recent book "Possessed" lives up to its name. I highly recommend her books = her writing style is honest, raw and addicting. You can find more about her at JowitaBydlowska.com
The video version is available on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ylUQzLTLY2E
David Stack is an introvert who turned his shyness into a popular YouTube Channel, Stack's Urban Harvest. Listen as Dave and Fitz talk about Regenerative Gardening, making something out of nothing and his dedication to helping others. I am grateful to have been close friends with David for 20 years! Find David here: https://www.youtube.com/c/StacksUrbanHarvest
David Ackroyd spent a career in the New York State Education system starting out as a teacher and retiring in administration. Dave looks back on a career full of joy and "warm and fuzzy" moments as an educator.
Bobby Newman is one example of how it is more than possible to turn a life around. Bobby discusses his life in and out of jail, in recovery and giving back to children. Find more about Bobby Newman at newmaninterventions.com
When I asked Lisa Nolan to describe herself in 3 words, she answered: Approachable, Engaging and Firm. Not only are these words spot-on, but after this conversation, I came to realize that these three words have important meanings when dealing with Domestic Violence (DV). As the Director of Prevention Education, Lisa is all about reaching people and giving them the knowledge to help themselves. As an empath, she wants to save everyone; as a realist, she knows that empowering them will be of greater benefit. You can find Lisa at WillowCenter.org
The first week of August is International Clown Week! (Aug 1-7) and i bring this to your attention not because I am a clown - it's because I know a great clown and she's my guest today!
Lillian Knight Faison is a professional Nurse and knows a think or two about healing. She believes that laughter is one of the best ways to heal the human spirit and it was through clowning that she has found her joy. Certified by the fine folks at Grease Paint Alley (https://greasepaintalleyclowns.weebly.com/) Lillian has formed her own company and loves to bring laughter and happiness to the young, old and everyone she can. Join me in this Blathering with Lillian Knight Faison, aka "Sunny Hope", the proprietor and boss-clown at Sunny Hope Umbrella Agency! (https://sunnyhope.agency/)
Amanda Ashley has made a wonderful name for herself in the music community, here in Rochester and all over the country and even the world. From her work with kids and the LGBTQ+ community to her soulful music projects and her podcast, Amanda has worked hard at spreading joy and peace wherever she goes. Join us in a Blathering that will be music to your ears. Find her at www.amandaashleymusic.com
100 - Luck brought me to this episode. KL Wells is the Founder and CEO of Voices In Courage, an organization devoted to supporting the families of people who suffer from addiction. Finding support and guidance for those who are helping to care for a loved one who are in the dark depths of addiction was next top impossible, which is why KL Wells started this organization. She saw a need because of her own personal experiences caring for her son.
There are many nuggets of wisdom in this episode and I really enjoyed KL's energy and approach to live, business and being human. This is a Blathering to Remember.
Allison Roberts was my guest for episode 53 and we never got to talk about this amazing business she has helped create and build. Today, I Blather with the leadership of Impact Interactive, which is "A Theatre-based Approach to Professional Learning". They help businesses and organizations train their staff on many issues, including sexual harassment and racism. Join me with Allison, Jodie Beckwith and Jonathan Ntheketha as we discuss this vital and fun way of helping our world make the change we all want to see. Find them at impactinteractive.org
Becca Delaney Johnson is quiet, timid and shy. So, if you didn't just laugh outloud then you clearly don't know Becca! The CEO of The Cause Collaborative Cause Collab, Becca has helped to define something now known as Cause Marketing. Her business caters to Not-For-Profit organizations...but the business is very much for-profit! However, she has carved a thoughtful and successful niche in this space, helping organizations spend their marketing dollars effectively all while designing strategies and dreaming up ways to get their Cause out to the world. This Blathering went by so fast for me and I am sure you will have fun. Becca has gone from the Ground Up in most everything in life and is still striving to make a change and improve the world, while taking care of her family and putting smiles on people's faces. Blather with us!
Kelly and Larry are two of the smartest, nicest and most generous people I am honored to know and have been fortunate enough to work with. They have built a business and also helped to grow a vibrant arts community in Rochester, New York. This is a super fun Blathering where we learn how these two fabulous minds joined powers for doing good in the world
Kris Betts is a traveller. Coming to Rochester, NY by way of Austin, Kris dove into her job on 13 WHAM and endearing the community to her personality and professionalism. Now, she is moving on from broadcast news to rediscover her professional identity. In this episode, we have a fun and lively conversation about her life in front of the camera and where she goes from here. Join me and Blather with Emmy Award winner, Kris Betts.
What is the Golden Rule? She who has the gold makes the rules? I like to think the Golden Rule is kindness and thoughtfulness. Kellie Wright has built a business on the idea of kindness and giving. Blather with us and learn how she went from being disillusioned in Corporate America to helping corporations in America.
Mark Gruba is a respected face in the Rochester, NY community. He has been doing the morning show on WROC News 8 for many years. He started out in sports and never even considered the path that led him here. His a family man, trustworthy journalist and enjoys a good joke. I always enjoy speaking with Mark and this time he was my captive for 40 minutes. Come Blather with us.
Framing Your Happiness, with Allison Nichols - I had the pleasure of Blathering with a kindred spirit. Allison Nichols is the owner and resident artist at Creativ Framing & Design at the fabulous Made on State complex in the High Falls District of Rochester, NY. She has been able to Frame her own happiness by following her artistic soul into business for herself. This Blathering touches on many themes but the one that really touched me was accountability of self. She can be found at CreativFramingAndDesign.com and on social media Creativ Framing and Design
Jack and Linda Mazur have become my surrogate family. We first met when they were at the studio recording their audiobook, available on Audible: https://adbl.co/3ia1o15, about losing their daughter Emilee, to Anorexia.
As I learned more about their story and about their family, I was drawn to their energy and their purpose.
Join me as I spend some time discussing their journey and their desire to help others understand and deal with Anorexia and mental illness.
To learn more about the Mazur’s, their journey, their advocacy, and their book, Emilee- The Story of a Girl and Her Family Hijacked by Anorexia, available on Amazon, Audible Audiobooks, & Barnes and Noble.com
Visit their website: https://emileethestoryofagirl.weebly.com. or contact them at Linda.john.mazur@gmail.com.
In my constant search for interesting people to Blather with, some friends of mine told me about this guy Lee Drake. They said he was a super guy and had a lot of cool things to talk about. So I invited him over and we had a great conversation about Coffee, Food, games and being a cool boss. Pour a hot cup of Ethiopian and join me as I Blather with Lee Drake!
As a filmmaker, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with talented and artistic people. I first met Melodie Roehrig in 2016 when she auditioned for Bottom Feeders. Now, 5 years later, the film is done and we sat done to Blather about acting, anxiety, depression and never giving up.
Early on in the Pademic, in 2020, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and I saw a guy juggling and doing tricks. I saw him again and again until I was looking forward to his videos. The videos were fun and interesting and they made me forget that I was not allowed to have customers in my relatively new (2 years old) business. That guy was Ted Baumhauer and I finally got around to asking him to Blather with me for a bit. He is a juggler and lives the Jugglers' Metaphor. Find out for yourself what that means while we Blather with Ted Baumhauer of RedTieVariety.com (You can also find Ted's Leadership training at TedBaumhauer.com)
I first saw this young man doing thr Brother Wease show on Radio 95.1 (iHeart Media) and thought he was a guest who had been in the news recently. Then I saw him again and again. So many posts about this "Wheels" guy, all with smiles and great things to say. I figured it was time to Blather with Wheels and I am glad I did, because he is as inpsiring as he is cool. Blather with us....
Episode 87: Scott Berne has told his story on radio and television. He wrote it all down in a book you can purchase just about anywhere. He works tirelessly to make sure that others will not have to experience what he endured. This is a Blathering that really took me some time to process, simply because of everything Scott had to go through. From being a real estate investor to his involvement with the National Center for Missing and Exploted Children, Scott Berne was clearly born to thrive.
This week I had the pleasure of Blathering with Kathryn F. Burmeister LLC - who has coined a phrase that I absolutely love, “Overcoming Addiction to the Status Quo,”. That's the title of her book which can be found on her website: https://kathrynfburmeister.com/
This is a wonderful exploration into her journey growing up in the south and elbowing her way into the boy's club that is the Law. She runs her own legal practice and speaks to groups all over the United States. She is also an animal lover and works with the Animal Legal Defense fund.
Come Blather with Kathryn Burmeister!
"The Connector" Episode 85 of The Blathering has a unique backstory. This guy came out of nowhere on LinkedIn and started trying to help me to connect with people who he thought could benefit from my expertise. I thought he was going then invoice me for his services. Nope - he just loves to connect people. I think you will connect with him because he is super relatable and professional. Join me as I Blather with Kevyn Rustici: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krustici/
Her art is signed Ras, her friends call her Nay, but I call her amazing. Listen to this story about how Renee Schuls-Jacobson went from suicidal to selling her art. She is a writer (her memoirs are about to be released), she is a teacher and she sings and dances too! There is not a dull moment in her presence and I am sure you will enjoy this story of resilience and rebirth. You can find her artwork at https://www.rasjacobson.store/
Fitz and Paul Guglielmo, owner of Guglielmo's Sauce got together for a double podcast, the merging of the Pauly Guglielmo Show and Positive Blatherings to talk about following dreams, terrible jobs, cringe moments and radio. It's a fun and funny episode.
Stephanie Harlowe has a very popular True Crime Channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClVF8RcTN3UqAognWFGlJcg) and is also the Co-Host of the Crime Weekly Podcast (CrimeWeeklyPodcast.com). Today we chat about how she took her passion for storytelling and her fascination with murder mysteries and created a career. Come blather with us.
Justen Arnold is the owner of Flexx Mobility and Performance (FlexxMP.com) and he is also a nutrition expert and a motivational coach. He really gets complete joy from helping others to achieve their goals. Blather and laugh with us as we talk about 'purpose through pain' and the "Four F's" in life: Faith, Family, Finances and Fitness.
I wanted to know what Divergent thinking was and how it applies to an overall positive outlook. I did a virtual meet with Jona A. Wright, Ed. D. after a year of playing LinkedIn tag. Join us!
I've always been intrigued by those who make a career out of helping others. I first saw Amanda Falzone in a post about her company You're Hired Rochester. She helps people of all backgrounds and professions improve their working lives. In this episode I get schooled on what's the correct way to write a resume and also learn that sometimes you find your calling in life by accident. I learned about comedians I have never heard of. Come blather with us.
Matt Ginella tells stories. You may recognize him from the Golf Channel or perhaps his "Where's MattyG" column in Golf Digest Magazine. Now, he is the Executive Producer of Dawn Patrol Productions and working on some amazing projects. Matty G and I met when I was hired to shoot the video versions of the "Golf Digest Ambush". Matt has an honest and human approach to storytelling and I'm proud to bring his story to the Blathering. you can find Matt's podcast here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fire-pit-with-matt-ginella/id1505330814
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that afflicts millions of people worldwide. Today's guest has taken her situation in life and made it work for her. Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana was a sickly girl in South Florida who became the auto-immune warrior of Western New York. Learn about how she started LupusChick.com and took her "little blog" to an inspiring social movement.
I first met Hannah Costello when she was working as a bank teller in my bank. She looked like such an interesting free spirit that I wanted to learn more about her. I was hoping she was an actress because as a filmmaker, I am always on the lookout for interesting new talent. Nothing happened with my first encounter with Hannah, but fate would have us both working for the same clients and so this was my chance to Blather with Hannah. She really has perfected reinvention and I was intrigued by how much she has done that in her young life. Join us!
I always enjoy speaking with authors to get a peak into their process. Jesse Cruz was a self-proclaimed "non-creative" who was transformed by a personal tragedy and now devotes his life to helping others find the bliss in theirs. Join me for a Blather with Jesse Cruz!
Are you terrified of home schooling? It's not as tough as you might think and Deb Ross from KidsOutAndAbout.com has some advice to help make it easy and fun!
I wrote about this on my blog, which you can read, here: http://rocvox.com/positive-blatherings-my-eureka-moment/
But in a nutshell: My life is way better than I realized....but I realized it this morning, hence the EUREKA!
Another episode FROM THE VAULT! (Should have been posted last year) Brianna McInerny is the kind of person who makes lemons into a lemon meringue pie! She is the founder of SLICE inspiration and counseling and her job is to inspire people - but so much more. Let's discuss her journey about Inspiration and Positivity.
(FROM THE VAULT: This episode should have been posted months ago.)Throughout our lives there are people who make a difference in the direction we take. A parent, an aunt or uncle, a coach. Keith Greer reminds me of someone I know but I couldn't quite place who until I realized he's likely the combination of many people who made a difference in my life. I was so honored to sit down and discuss his journey and how he has devoted his life to helping others in many areas. As I approach my first year of sobriety, this discussion is very meaningful. Let's meet Keith!
He's made so much out of nothing - when people said it couldn't be done, he did it. Alex Ferrari, CEO of Indie Film Hustle is out with a new book, 'Rise of the Filmtrepreneur' and it is the filmmaking hack every indie filmmaker should get, ASAP.
Billy Powell went from being a struggling vocalist to owning a successful talent agency in Rochester, NY. Listen to how he got his start, his ability to recognize the trends and evolve, and his advice for talent. We also discuss how there is a ghost in the studio - which might explain why there is a technical difficulty with my microphone that only came out in the recording.
Edward Monahan is the kind of guy you learn nuggets of truth from at every turn. A successful career at Kodak which ended abruptly, lead to a successful consulting business for Ed and he has taken everything in stride. HIs positive outlook and application of those principles are a picture of how to approach the gentle balance of career and family life.
Kelsea Little took a chance on a job with a little startup in San Diego named GoFundMe - next thing she knows she is writing her own job description and traveling the country interviewing people for her podcast, True Stories of Good People. I was fortunate enough to sit and chat with Kelsea about her journey.
She's a PR professional in Rochester...she's a performer...she is the leader of a Merry Band of Millennials. She is Dresden Engle and she joins Fitz to discuss creativity, positivity and life.
January 30, 2019 I quit drinking alcohol and my life has been absolutely amazing since. I didn't think I could do it but in this episode I do a quick reflection - talk about a drinking dream and also tease my 1 year anniversary of the Blathering.
She started her own non profit organization that helps build schools and clinics in Kenya. She is a Phd student studying Immunology and she hasn't even reached the milestone of 30! Have a conversation with Daphne Pariser and discover how she became such a doer and positive force in our world.
Hillary Olson is the new President and CEO of the Rochester Museum and Science Center and she brings with her so much energy and positivity, I just had to share it with as many people as I could. Listen as she talks about her love for all things science and how her passion for learning became a career.
Jose Peo was brought to my attention by a friend of mine who works with Jose. Once I learned Jose's story I wanted to have him on the show. Learn about his name, his history and his future, plus how he can rock a purple suit and look good doing it while running for Rochester City Council.
From Rochester to Nashville - Alyssa is a powerhouse, multitalented and gifted young artist with an old soul. It's always fun to have her in studio and she brought her guitar, playing two new songs!
Todd Youngman is a comedian's comedian. He's also a super nice guy, a family man and he's not dumb. Find out why everyone just absolutely loves Todd Youngman. If you don't love him by the end of this episode, you get a refund.
Author of This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol and The Alcohol Experiment, Annie Grace is a positive force in this world. Annie took her desire to quit drinking and turned it into a movement, one that has helped me personally so I had to Blather with her. Join us in discussion Annie's journey to a life without alcohol and her Moment of Clarity. www.thisnakedmind.com
Connie Lee has taken her pain and made it work for her. If you need inspiration, check her out at ConnieLeeFitness.com - she will make you anew. Listen to how she took adversity and life's curveballs and hit a home run!
Episode 57: Erin Jensen is my first repeat guest! She's back with the very inspiring and interesting story behind her new book, Benevolent.
Alex Ferrari is a filmmaker and founder of Indie Film Hustle, an online resource for indie filmmakers. Actually, it's way more than that. It has expanded to a streaming service available on many platforms. Alex is now releasing his first book! It's about his experiences as a young filmmaker being hired to shoot a movie for people with...let's just say...somewhat shady connections. Buy the book here: https://www.amazon.com/Shooting-Mob-based-Incredible-Story/dp/194808063X
You might have heard him do is own restaurant commercials on the radio or perhaps you're smart enough to have visited Itacate Mexican Bar and Taqueria. I am fortunate to have crossed paths with Jose Abarca through my work in radio. We have opposing political views, but we see eye to eye about family, the importance of faith and treating others with respect.
Hélène Biandudi Hofer has the kind of personality that makes you smile and tell her your life's story. From Ohio, Hélène knew at a very young age that she wanted to tell stories. Now, she tells the stories of people who don't often get a chance to. Join us for this Blathering about gratitude, professionalism and learning to communicate in our complex social environment.
Dawn Kellogg has a stories career in and around the theatre. From Lester, NY to the West End of London, Dawn has worked with some of the finest talents in the business. Rochester, NY is lucky to claim her as the Communications Manager for Geva Theatre Center.
Allison Roberts comes from a family of artists and inspires me with her wit and positive outlook on a daily basis...even if it is mostly on Facebook. She is also the Co-Founder and Director of Impact Interactive. www.impactinteractive.org
Juan Vazquez is one of those guys who can walk in a room and have a conversation with anyone. We talk about how having many different related skills can make you an invaluable asset to your employer.
Ottavia Marlo is one of those friends who you see doing things and you think to yourself, "How did she just DO that?" She's an actress, a vocalist, a fitness model and English teacher (cue the Van Halen Song) and she hung out with me to Blather about reinvention, Italian style!
The story of Carole King comes to life on stage at the Rochester Auditorium Theatre Jan 22-27. Dylan S. Wallach co-stars as Gerry Goffin, husband and songwriting parter of Carole King. We talk about the show, his life as an actor and his positive approach to the craft.
This conversation started out like a typical Blathering - but ended up somewhere way far away from where I thought. The subject of human trafficking and one man's love for a woman - or is it all just a scam?
Mae Fox has dedicated her life to healing. Not just the body, but the soul and the spirit as well. She has recently contributed to a book available online titled "Heart and Soul: Living a Love-Filled, Spirit-Guided, Consciously-Created Life. Mae's chapter is titled 'Removing the Sword'.
Beth Adams is a trusted voice in Rochester Media. Her career has taken many turns but she feels she is exactly where she needs to be. Her talent as a radio host and journalist came through in this interview as she managed to interview me a little bit, which was quite the honor. Beth talks about the balance of life and career and how spirituality and positivity play an important role in her life.
Craig Simmons became known as "Spazman" in the ring. As a pro wrestler, he saw the ins and outs of the business. He learned how to hone his creativity and use it to do good. An auto-immune disease cut his wrestling career short, but he is not short on charm, talent, drive or positivity.
Lori Bajorek goes after what she wants. She's been on top and hit just about rock bottom and through it all she has a laser focus on her end goal. She has produced films and theatre because it's what she wanted to do - and nobody was going to tell her no!
"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." If we've evolved at all as a society, we should have figured out that words absolutely do matter and they matter a great deal. Evan Dawson of WXXI News knows how words can affect the world around us. Listen to this mindful Blathering...
Deanna King might author the Cynical Mother blog, but that doesn't mean she's a cynic. She speaks her mind, sees the world through the broad lens of comedy and also works hard at raising her kids to be good human beings. Both on the mic and off, she is authentic.
Jennie Cancelmi decided she was going to have a TLC show and less than 3 years later she does. Talking about empathy, gratitude and celebrating the small stuff.
There is a soft intensity about William Powell. He describes himself as a 'Change Agent' and he's devoted his life to helping others break out of the mold that was cast for them by society. He gives them the tools to create a new mold and reshape their own destiny. www.willmotivates.com
My favorite part of this podcast is what I learn. In this episode, I learned so much about Josh Pies, a very generous and talented filmmaker, family man and friend. We talk story, networking, perseverance and faith in this extended episode of The Blathering.
Megan Mack does not think of herself as a funny person, yet she teaches improv. She is the producer of one of the smartest radio shows around and is a delight to chat with.... From the Second City to the Flour City!
Mike DiGiorgio is the kind of guy you see others hanging out with and you wish you could too. Why? He's the quintessential music fan, always has a can do attitude and can most likely solve your problems with an appropriate Kiss or Van Halen lyric. Hang with us for a Blathering and learn how this dude abides.
Sky Sands developed his skills at an early age. Listen as he breaks down his career into its many parts all the while making it sound like it was your life he was describing.
Matt Crawford (Craw Mattford) does traffic during my morning radio show. He offered up his pal from Florence, Italy to be on my podcast. I didn't really understand why until I was able to chat with him. Positivity can good intentions can transcend language and culture. We talked about the laid back approach to work and the importance of family and friends with my new Florentine friend. Join us for "pisolino" - or the long lunch.
Normal Holland has been a trusted name and face in Rochester TV News for over 20 years. She has managed to persevere because of her drive, innate sense of humanity and her dedication to the truth - all while being funny and professional. Join me for a funny and sincere blathering with a true Rochester treasure.
A Candid interview with 90's icon Pauly Shore. He's a decent guy, though a little aloof and he shares his thoughts on touring and showbiz at the age of 50. Check out his podcast at www.paulyshore.com
Monette Magrath (Pronounced Magraw) is an actress, mother and a sincere soul. Listen as we blather about her craft, honesty, humanity, parenting and how she manages to make the best out of the mundane. She inspires.
Stephanie Armstrong has had her share of challenges and setbacks. Join us to hear about how her journey went from Juvenile Detention to her own business and the spirituality that brought her there.
Justin Dangler loved playing Nerf Battles with his father. One day, his fun pass time became a way to connect with the youth of Rochester and promote healthy active competition and play. Listen as we take aim on achieving goals and realizing dreams.
Andrea Holland is a self-made woman. Not only does she brighten up a room with her wit and wisdom, she is a caring and giving soul who just wants to help people find their better selves. Dive into a conversation with Andrea about how you should become more comfortable with being uncomfortable.
Jonny Greco is the nicest guy you could ever meet. His positive outlook on EVERYTHING is contagious. Listen in as we rap about the road that took him From Oneonta, NY to the Stanley Cup finals with the Vegas Golden Knights.
Dante J. Worth is the kind of person everyone should know. At the age of 26 he's a published author, public speaker, Success Mentor, organizer and Audacious Believer. He shoots for the stars and gets there on a regular basis. Join us in a conversation about humanity, humility and the audacity of Dante J. Worth.
Trading services in business is a great tool and usually mutually beneficial - but make sure you're smart about it. Get a contract so you're sure you get your value from the deal.
Mexican, Algerian, Irish and a "whole bunch of other stuff" mixed together with a healthy helping of empathy, professionalism, ethics and respect. Today I sat down with Samantha Miles of 13 WHAM TV and had a funny and insightful interview that I believe you will really enjoy.
Owning a small creative business means that the line between business and personal can be very blurry - if not invisible...but there is always a line. This is my blathering about my discovery of how to deal with that struggle - in real time.
Being thoughtful – truly thoughtful, is a real artform that so very many people just don’t understand. Being thoughtful isn’t just remembering a birthday or wedding anniversary. Being thoughtful is bringing someone a pink carnation on their birthday because they once told you about how much they love pink carnations. Thoughtfulness, in my opinion, is going that extra step to really get through the N.O.I.S.E.
Dave Spiro was on stage in Syracuse performing in The Laramie Project when he fell ill. It would be a while and another liver before he would act again. Listen to Dave's incredible journey from being a Paramedic in NYC to now needing a kidney transplant. This man will not give up. If you'd like to learn about being a Kidney donor, visit this website: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/surgery/transplant/procedures/kidney-transplant.aspx
What is Impostor Syndrome and can you use it to be a better person? I blather uncontrollably in this one - bring a compass.
I am taking issue with an article about how a study shows that being pessimistic is better than being positive and optimistic when it comes to stress and dealing with bad news. https://www.thesun.co.uk/fabulous/6958515/looking-bright-side-bad-health-stress-cope-better/
It's Tuesday and nothing ever happens on Tuesday except the odd Taco Tuesday - but since I cannot do an episodes about Tacos, I figured I would offer you some real value. Tom Corley is a best selling author whose books include Rich Habits and Rich Kids, How to Raise Our Children to be Happy and Successful in Life. I recorded these interviews a few years ago but they never aired...so I figured I would share them with you. Listen every Tuesday for another Rich Tip from Tom. Find him at RichHabits.net @RichHabits
Annette Ramos is the Executive Director of the Rochester Latino Theatre Company as well as a Community Engagement Consultant for Geva Theatre Center. She is a big deal in a little body with an even bigger heart. Listen about her journey from LA to Rochester, NY - her love of her culture, heritage and her focus on Latinx inclusion in the arts.
I blather about about happy I am not not be getting enough sleep - because I am working hard to build my business for me and my family and not to enrich someone else. Stay motivated and be grateful - you will succeed.
Whether in business or your daily personal life, going the extra mile is a great practice. Have a can-do attitude and make everyone feel like they are number one - and you will be rewarded, guaranteed.
At age 39 Todd Youngman decided to go after his dream of being a comic. Now, he is the Marketing Director for one of the top comedy venues on the East Coast and soon the country, Comedy At The Carlson in Rochester, NY.
You've heard the saying "Don't Sweat The Small Stuff" - yeah, it's totally true and I learned how adopting that philosophy and doing a little quick meditation saved my day and stopped me from spiraling down into the darkness once again.
Chuck Ingersoll does great voice! I've considered him an adjunct mentor (even if he didn't know he was). From radio to advertising and marketing and providing his dulcet pipes to scores of projects, Chuck knows success. Now semi-retired, Chuck blathers with me about his 10.5 Tenets for Being Successful Through Peace. It's a good listen.
Jessie Keating is a fundraiser for the Mozilla Corporation, which you may recognize as the company that brought us the Firefox web browser. Jessie is a writer at heart and a compassionate soul who believes that we all have the wisdom of the Universe within us - and it is just waiting to be unlocked. Jessie and I have a fun time blathering about Karma, The Law of Attraction and our mutual quest to be good humans...come hang out with us.
Erin A. Jensen has a scientific background and a creative soul. She works part-time as a Pharmacist and one day had the crazy idea to write a novel. It wasn't such a crazy idea after all. Join me as I chat with Erin about her journey in writing the Dream Waters series of novels. http://www.erinajensen.com
I've come to realize that there are some people who are in your life for a reason and you are a better person because of that gift. I met Rick Staropoli 10 years ago when he started dating my colleague Tiffany, who is now his wife. We've been working closely together on a project and there have been times where I was really down in the dumps. I have been amazed by his consistent can-do "there's nothing wrong" attitude over the years and always wanted to chat with him about his many talents and his uncanny ability to make it all seem like 'No Big Deal'.
Doug Emblidge is a household name in Rochester. He's been "working the split", anchoring the morning and afternoon newscasts at 13 WHAM TV for 18 years, though his career goes back to the early 1980's. Doug has a way of making you feel at ease - whether he is reporting the news or telling you a joke you cannot repeat over the airwaves. Listen as Doug talks about the power of perspective and of serving his community.
Fitz chats with Alyssa Trahan, East Rochester native and current resident of Nashville. Alyssa talks about focusing on her dreams and staying positive while living in the sometimes negative world of the music business. Alyssa performs her new singe, 'Leading the Pack'. Find her at alyssatrahan.com
Fitz sits down with Rebecca Leclair to discuss her 30 years as a journalist, the power of Karma and spirituality and how to remain positive while covering negative news stories.
Make sure your clients are happy - even if you could not serve them. Send them to the competition if you cannot help! They will appreciate it in the long run and will definitely generate good will and Karma that will come back to you tenfold.
It is kind of a no-brainer! The positive person always does better than the complainer or the smack-talker.
Fitz connects with Jim Sidoti of jsvoiceovers.com and discusses how Jim left his job in radio to pursue his dream of being a voice over artist. The idea of a "no retreat" approach to your goals is one of the keys to success.
What is an Accountability Coach? A nagging spouse or something better? It's a valid question!
Today was created just for you - for you to get one step closer to achieving your goals and becoming a better person.
Fitz chats with Debra Ross, publisher of KidsOutAndAbout.com and BeyondTheNest.com. - about her journey as an entrepreneur and how persistence, positivity and the power of giving leads to success.
Fitz blathers about Vision boards and his experience with them. Also - YOU HAVE TO DO THE WORK!
Fitz blathers about why it can be so hard to maintain positivity - the factors that could be in your way and how to get past them.