Love Living Local 315

In this episode we sit down with Ujj Rai, social entrepreneur, community builder and founder of both Muju International Groceries and Nyano. This is one of those conversations that makes you stop and think about what business is really for.

From growing up in Nepal as a pastor’s kid to studying at Harvard and now building companies right here in Utica, Ujj shares how his entire philosophy centers on one thing: fall in love with the problem. For him, business isn’t about chasing profit, it’s about solving real social challenges in sustainable ways. 

We...

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Chef Tim Hardiman, founder of Hardiman Hospitality, co-founder of Tailor and the Cook and host of The Hospitalitarian Podcast for a conversation that goes way beyond what’s on the plate. Tim shares how being born into the restaurant world shaped his path, and how his son’s early food allergies completely transformed the way he thinks about sourcing, cooking, and feeding people. What started as a personal shift at home turned into a farm-to-table movement that helped change the way our entire region looks at food. 

W...

In this powerful and moving episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Jennifer Boulanger - author, educator, and longtime community advocate to talk about her memoir A Song for Olaf and the story behind it. Jennifer shares the journey of writing about her brother, Olaf, whose life and death during the early years of the HIV/AIDS pandemic shaped her understanding of love, grief, advocacy, and service. What begins as a sibling love story quickly opens into a much larger conversation about stigma, resilience, and the importance of remembering moments in history we can’t afford to re...

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Mike Curran, founder of Wrapology, to talk cars, creativity, and what it really looks like to build a passion-first business in Central New York. What started as Mike wrapping his own car turned into a decade-long journey building one of the most recognizable automotive wrap brands in the region—known for bold color changes, meticulous detail, and serious craftsmanship.

Mike opens up about choosing to stay small and focused, why he only does wraps (and nothing else), and how moving his shop to Utica was a co...

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ray Durso—President & CEO of the Genesis Group, community connector, regional ambassador, and one of the most recognizable champions of Central New York. Ray shares the origin story of the Genesis Group, how it grew from a handful of leaders meeting twice a week into a region-wide, volunteer-driven organization, and why bringing people together across county lines is more important than ever.

We talk about what community leadership really looks like day to day, how meaningful events (not just more events) create real impact, and why ed...

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Doneilous King - lifelong Utica resident, DEIB strategist, senior counselor at SUNY Poly, community builder, DJ, and founder of We Inspire Consulting. From growing up in Cornhill to becoming one of the city’s most impactful connectors, Doneilous shares a powerful, honest look at how poverty, family, faith, sports, and service shaped the man he is today. This was his first-ever podcast appearance, and he doesn’t hold back.

We talk about the importance of access, mentorship, and being the “connective tissue” that keeps communities strong. Doneilou...

In this episode of Love Living Local 315, we sit down with Ryan Miller—director of MVCC’s Thincubator, founder of Rust Belt Startup, podcaster, connector, and one of the quiet forces behind entrepreneurship and creative momentum in the Mohawk Valley. Ryan walks us through his unconventional path, from growing up in New York Mills and backpacking through Europe to music, startups, and eventually becoming someone who helps other people figure out what’s next—often before they even realize they need help.

We talk candidly about what entrepreneurship really looks like, why asking “is this a good idea?” is...

In this episode, we sit down with Adam Vanderhoof, founder of Oneida News and one of Central New York’s most genuine local storytellers. Adam takes us all the way back to the beginning — from filming in his parents’ basement to building a hyper-local video series that now racks up hundreds of thousands (and even millions) of views. What started as a passion for storytelling turned into a powerful platform focused on something we don’t get nearly enough of: positive local news.

Adam opens up about leaving Oneida for Washington, D.C., why the pull of communit...

In this episode we sit down in the brand-new Impact X Marketing Studio with Brad Waters, Morgan Mielnicki, and Emily Broomfield to pull back the curtain on the creative force behind some of the best digital content coming out of the region. From podcast production and photo shoots to short-form video strategy, this team isn’t just keeping up, they’re setting the pace.

If you’re a business owner, content creator, or someone who’s been toying with launching your brand online, this one’s a must-listen. We dig into why social media presence is now more impor...

What does a tourism professional actually do—and why should you care? In this episode, we sit down with Sarah Calero, President of Oneida County Tourism, to talk about what it really means to promote a region like Central New York. Spoiler alert: it’s not just about hotels and highways—it’s about stories, small towns, hidden gems, and reminding people why this place still matters.

Sarah shares how she accidentally stumbled into tourism, what it’s like marketing your hometown to locals and outsiders, and why she’s so passionate about getting people to explore the places r...

What happens when a full-grown man goes to Santa School... multiple times? You get Steve Nunno, a professionally trained Santa with a heart the size of the North Pole and a mission to bring real magic to families across Central New York. In this episode, we sit down with the man behind Santa’s Magical Visits to talk about storytelling, community, and what it really takes to create unforgettable holiday experiences.

Steve opens up about how a moment at Roswell Park changed everything, why his Santa character focuses on kindness over the naughty/nice list, and how hi...

Javon Pratt returns to the podcast for a real conversation about growth, focus, and staying true to your vision. Since his first episode, he’s opened Westie’s, a small pizza spot with a simple goal: make great food, stay creative, and build something that lasts. In this episode, he talks about what it’s been like to run two concepts at once, what he’s learned about leadership, and why he’s not in a rush to do anything that doesn’t feel right.

We also get into his experience at the NYC Wine & Food Festival, the challeng...

After two decades in insurance, Michele Hummel took a leap most people only talk about — she walked away to follow a gut instinct that there was something more she was meant to build. Now, as the Executive Director of Next - Herkimer County, she's helping reshape how communities collaborate, how nonprofits get supported, and how long-abandoned ideas can be brought back to life.

In this episode, Michele gets real about the messiness of starting something new, the power of saying "yes" when others say "no," and why small wins — like a single basketball court or an event that...

What do community, mocktails, and mindfulness have in common? According to Cristi Kaido — everything. In this episode, we sit down with the founder of The Mindful Mixer, Central New York’s first mobile mocktail bar and wellness experience. Cristi shares her journey from growing up in a low-income neighborhood to surviving a life-threatening blood clot, and how those moments sparked a mission to help people slow down, connect, and sip with intention.

You’ll hear how her new book “12 Sips of Christmas” is way more than a recipe collection — it’s a step-by-step mindfulness toolkit wrapped in fun, flavor, a...

From law offices to barbell racks, short-term rentals to speakeasy renovations, Colin LaReaux is a man who wears a lot of hats—and somehow keeps them all balanced. In this episode, we sit down with Colin to talk about everything from his roots in Utica and his real estate empire to his gym FIT Training, nonprofit work through 315K for the Cure, and the bold vision he has for the community’s future. Oh, and did we mention he turned an old auditorium into 1920s-themed Airbnbs across from the brewery?

Colin brings a fresh, optimistic take on what...

This week, we sit down with Kristy Mandour — executive coach, speaker, and host of the Sow to Speak podcast — for a conversation that’s equal parts empowering, hilarious, and deeply honest. Kristy has spent years helping leaders and creatives unlock the confidence to speak clearly, show up authentically, and quiet the noise of their inner critic.

We dive into everything from emotional intelligence in the workplace to mom guilt, self-regulation, the myth of “having it all,” and what happens when your daughter compares you to Maleficent. (Spoiler: it leads to serious self-awareness.) If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed...

If you’ve ever walked, biked, or even just driven through Utica’s parks and parkways without realizing how special they are… this episode is about to blow your mind. 🧠💥 We sit down with historian and nonprofit founder Phil Bean, who left behind city gridlock and humid summers to return home and reignite a movement. As the co-founder of Olmsted City of Greater Utica, Phil’s passion for preserving and revitalizing Utica’s historic park system is not only contagious — it’s transformational.

Phil breaks down how our city is home to a nationally significant, Olmsted-designed park and parkway system —...

In this episode, we sit down with Yarden Carroll, the force behind Crowned Creative, a brand strategy studio helping bold thinkers turn brilliance into bankable business. Yarden is a mother, creative powerhouse, systems thinker, and former engineer with four degrees (yes, four!) who brings heart, hustle, and a bit of rebellion to everything she touches.

From navigating ADHD and rebuilding after personal setbacks to creating frameworks that help coaches, consultants, and creatives package their genius—Yarden drops gem after gem. We talk about visibility, authenticity, storytelling that converts, and why she believes being the “best-kept secret” isn’t a flex...

In this episode, we sit down with Anne Lansing, CEO of Safe Schools Mohawk Valley — an organization changing lives every day across Central New York. From advocating for students dealing with trauma, to building bridges between youth and first responders, Anne’s passion for creating a safer, more supportive school experience is palpable. Her journey has taken her from Lake Tahoe and San Francisco back home to Utica, where she now leads a team making a real difference in the lives of local youth.

We dive into everything from cow tipping and commuting in Oakland to trauma-informed care...

What is the Community Foundation and why should you care? In this episode, Scott and Kelly sit down with Nick Grimmer and Kayla Ellis to pull back the curtain on one of the most impactful—and surprisingly misunderstood—organizations in our area. From helping small nonprofits thrive, to facilitating multi-million-dollar giving days like Mohawk Valley Gives, this team is doing way more than you think behind the scenes… and they’re just getting started.

You’ll hear how the Foundation has made giving not only easier but way more fun, why September 19th might be the most important...

What if mindfulness wasn’t just a buzzword—but a lifeline? In this episode, we sit down with Mikelle Deck, founder of Aligned Minds Consulting, to talk about mental health, mindfulness, and why your phone might be stressing you out more than you think. From EFT tapping and yoga with teenagers to regulating cortisol and managing social media burnout, Mikelle’s approach to supporting young people is anything but cookie-cutter.

Whether she’s working one-on-one with a student dealing with anxiety or introducing breathwork to entire sports teams, Mikelle is on a mission to help the next generati...

Meet Michael Flores — actor, filmmaker, and the creative force behind Dogs on the Sendero, an award-winning indie film that’s turning heads globally… and was filmed right here in Central New York. In this episode, Michael sits down with the team to talk about trading LA for Utica, building a film from scratch with a six-person crew, and how his dog Rosie (yes, the star of the film) was the MVP of the entire shoot.

You’ll hear how a miscommunication nearly derailed the most important scene in the film, how a 1970s junk office turned into a perfec...

If you think kids these days just sit around scrolling their phones… let us introduce you to Eli Pasquale. A senior at Mount Markham and living proof that hustle isn’t dead, Eli is a class president, three-sport athlete, junk removal business owner, sneaker reseller, and full-time go-getter. From flipping candy bars in middle school to running Quicks Junk Removal as a solo operation, Eli is stacking wins before he even gets his diploma.

In this episode, we talk about how a sixth-grade side hustle turned into real entrepreneurship, how he handles self-doubt, and...

What’s it really like growing up in a family-run car dealership? In this episode, we sit down with sibling duo Carly Steet Mathias and Joe Steet Jr. at Steet Toyota to talk about legacy, leadership, and what it means to carry the torch for a business that’s been a community staple for decades. From early memories cleaning cars to navigating the evolving world of automotive sales, these two have seen it all — and they’re doing it their way.

They share what makes the Steet culture so unique. We also dig...

What happens when you mix golf, food, community spirit, inflatable party stations, and a whole lot of heart? You get the East Utica Classic—one of the wildest and most meaningful days of the year in Central New York. In this episode, Keith sits down with Joey Cracchiolo and Mike Peterson, two of the driving forces behind the 15-year tradition that’s become more than just a golf tournament—it’s an all-out celebration with real impact.

From handing out surprise checks to local families in need, to creating an event so hyped...

In this episode, we chat with Vanessa Colangelo, branding expert and owner of Life Well Branded, about helping entrepreneurs cut through the noise and create a brand that actually feels like them. From DIY Canva struggles to imposter syndrome, Vanessa breaks down why branding is so much more than a logo—and how she helps small business owners find their voice, their vision, and the confidence to show up online.

We also dive into her leap from a stable corporate job (while 8 months pregnant!) to building her own business, her perspective on personal vs. business br...

In this episode, we sit down with Jay Groah, a scientist, real estate entrepreneur, and the bold mind behind MyYenta—a tech company changing the way professionals connect with their clients. Jay shares how a chance encounter with a realtor sparked the idea for MyYenta and how he turned a personality-matching concept into a full-blown business (yes, complete with him dressing in drag at conferences to promote it—seriously, you’re going to want to hear this story).

From behavioral science to bold branding moves, Jay’s journey is packed with creativity, humor, and big...

In this episode, we step into the ring with Mike Skyros, a professional wrestler from Central NY who’s been grinding it out on the indie scene for over a decade. From dive bar shows with 14 people to selling out 1,000-seat arenas, Skyros shares the highs, lows, and body slams of life chasing the dream. He breaks down what it’s really like traveling town to town, wrestling in VFW halls, and why he keeps showing up—sometimes battered, but never broken.

We talk about what makes a great wrestling crowd, the pressure of performing in fro...

It’s officially golf week! ⛳ In this special edition episode, the crew breaks down everything you need to know about Putts for a Purpose, happening Friday, June 27 at Pine Hills Golf Course. What started as a bold idea on a 90-day timeline turned into a massive community-powered charity golf outing. From the charities being supported to the sponsors who made it all possible, this episode is packed with shoutouts, laughs, and a serious dose of local love.

Whether you’re golfing, sponsoring, volunteering, or just curious about how to make impact (and fun) collide—this one’s fo...

In this episode, we join forces with Christine Spiak and Tricia Sticca , the powerhouse duo behind Success Circle, a growing community for women solopreneurs in the Mohawk Valley who are ready to thrive—not just survive. What started as two coaches looking for office space has turned into a deeply supportive, action-focused movement for women building businesses, finding clarity, and rewriting the rules of success.

If you’ve ever felt alone on your entrepreneurial journey or wished there was a hype squad that actually gets it, this episode delivers real talk, real tools, and...

🌟 Weekend Recap & Local Stops
Newport Golf Club
• Scenic and well-maintained course with a solid clubhouse and simulator.
• Kelly's “best 9 holes ever” story… derailed 4 minutes later. Classic golf humility moment.

Lunch at The Alamo (Herkimer)
• Standout bar food: fish tacos, chicken & BBQ beef wrap, and top-tier comfort food.

Rainy Day Plan: Turning Stone Casino
• Family-friendly lunch at Upstate Tavern (Tavern Club sandwich = 10/10).
• Driving range, simulator, and people-watching gold.


💥 Sponsor Spotlight
Meats on Main (Ilion)
• Featured in depth: fresh deli meats, custom-cut steaks, daily subs on homemade bread, and Tito...

In this episode, we sit down with David Ocasio Ross—a former teller turned Assistant VP at AmeriCU Credit Union—who shares how a denied car loan at 21 became the wake-up call that launched his career in finance. Now, he’s on a mission to help others level up their money game, understand credit, and navigate the homebuying process with confidence.

But David’s story goes far beyond banking. He’s also a devoted girls basketball coach with a deep love for the game, using the court to teach life lessons about accountability, confidence...

Episode 212:

🌟 Local Eats Recap
Golden’s (Genesee St.)
• One-man-show Jeff Golden delivers a wild diner-style experience.
• No takeout allowed. Homemade food, hilarious signs, massive burgers, garlic parm fries, and tomato soup with grilled cheese.

One Genny (New Hartford)
• Big menu, patio seating, great for group dining or drinks.
• Highlights: steak sandwich, diverse cocktails, and family-friendly vibe.

Brass Tack (Frankfort)
• Canopy is up, Wednesday night live music has started (check their Facebook for the lineup).
• Don’t miss the Thursday clam specials!

💬 Bonus Shoutouts
Accent B...

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Palumbo—Central NY native, Ithaca College football champ, black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and co-founder of Kristin’s Fund—to talk about impact, leadership, and using football to change lives. Joe shares the heartbreaking story behind the creation of Kristin’s Fund, and how it’s grown into a powerful movement against domestic violence. Through his A Call to Men football camp, Joe’s helping young men across Central New York learn more than just how to run drills—he’s teaching them what healthy masculinity and real respect loo...

Episode 210:

🌟 Memorial Day Weekend Recap

In this episode, we chop it up with Jimmy Fellone—media strategist by day, food-and-film creative genius by night, and the man behind Takes and Plates. Jimmy’s built a unique platform that pairs recipes with movies and shows (yes, seriously), and he’s got the SEO strategy, chef collabs, and hilarious takes to back it all up. Whether he’s ranking #1 on Google for “hats and broccoli” (don’t ask—just listen), or filming with red headlamps in a Utica kitchen at 6 AM, Jimmy’s cooking up more than just mashed potatoes.

If you’ve ever argued about what to...

Episode 208:

🌟 Weekend Recap Highlights

In this episode, we sit down with Kris Majka, better known as DJ Roscoe Red, the high-energy voice of KISS FM nights and one of the most recognizable personalities in Central New York. From his accidental nickname in an MVCC animation lab to becoming a sought-after wedding DJ, community advocate, and boy band frontman, Roscoe shares his full journey—one dance floor, radio mic, and karaoke night at a time.

Whether he’s hyping up a school dance, performing in talent shows, or helping young professionals connect through Catalyst, Roscoe proves you don’t need alcoho...

Episode 206:

🌟 This Week’s Local Highlights

🛍️ Where We’ve Been

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Gifune, a fourth-generation entrepreneur out of Rome, NY, who’s help turn his family's 80-year-old lumber business into a full-blown local business empire. From innovating at Rome General Lumber to launching everything from Bain’s Barbell Club to dumpster rentals to Lou’s Bargain Outlet, Anthony is the kind of guy who runs on coffee, hustle, and zero excuses.

He’s equal parts business-savvy and brutally honest — and he shares what it really takes to build something from scratch, manage mul...