Your Hometown Podcast

Entrepreneurship is about more than building a business — it’s about vision, resilience, and the willingness to take risks in pursuit of something meaningful. Behind every successful venture is a story of hard work, perseverance, and passion. Joe Aquino, owner of Evolution Restaurant and Bar, talks about what it takes to build and sustain a thriving business, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how entrepr...

Community is built by the people who step up and give their time, energy, and resources to support and strengthen the lives of people around them. Through volunteering and fundraising, individuals can make a lasting impact and inspire others to do the same. Joseph Siano talks about the importance of community involvement, volunteerism, and how fundraising efforts can bring people together to make a real difference. Joe is a profess...

Raising and caring for a child with intellectual or developmental disabilities often comes with unique challenges, important decisions, and the need for strong support systems, resources, and advocacy. For many families, navigating healthcare, education, and long-term planning can feel overwhelming, but having the right guidance can make a meaningful difference. Iris Rivera, a lifelong advocate for individuals with intellectual and...

Immigration has long been woven into the fabric of the American story. Behind every immigrant family is a journey marked by courage, sacrifice, hope, and the pursuit of opportunity. The decision to leave behind familiar surroundings and start over in a new country requires resilience and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future. Adam Chaabane discusses his family's immigration journey, the values that helped shape...

There’s something deeply human about feeding one another. It goes beyond nourishment, it’s connection, comfort, and care all served on a plate. Across cultures and communities, food has always been one of the most powerful ways we express love. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal during hard times or a shared table during celebration, food reminds us that we’re not alone. And when that instinct to feed others is...

So many of us believe that the biggest decisions of our lives are behind us—that at a certain point, the path is set. But what if the most defining chapter is still waiting to be written? What if one bold choice, made later in life, has the power to change everything? Toni Belford Damiano has spent decades at the forefront of family law, advocating for clients through some of life’s most difficult transitions. She talks...

Autism is a spectrum that touches millions of individuals and families, yet it’s often misunderstood. As awareness continues to grow, so does the importance of deeper acceptance, better support systems, and more meaningful conversations about what it truly means to live with and love someone on the spectrum. Amy Pellegrini is an advocate for autism. She talks about raising awareness, supporting families, and fostering greater...

What happens when the place that once inspired you almost becomes the reason you walk away—and how do you turn that moment into a mission instead? Billy Pinckney shares his journey from batboy for the New Jersey Jackals to becoming an author and speaker dedicated to inspiring the next generation. Through his story, Billy reveals how challenges in the game he loved led him to a greater purpose—empowering young people wit...

There is a profound difference between simply living in a community and actively shaping it. True community impact isn't built overnight; it is the result of people who show up, volunteer their time, and remain steadfast in their commitment year after year. This kind of unwavering dedication does more than just maintain programs—it builds a lasting legacy. Sam Yodice, the borough administrator for Woodland Park, explores his ...

Sometimes the people who impact us most aren’t the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who listen, who care, and who quietly step in when something needs to be done. And often, it’s life’s hardest moments that shape that kind of character. Real difference is rarely about recognition — it’s about perspective, compassion, and the willingness to show up for others even when your own world feels sh...

Working as a first responder is one of the most selfless ways a person can serve their community. EMTs and paramedics are often the first on the scene during someone’s worst moment — bringing skill, calm, and compassion when it matters most. Tami Hajbi talks about what it’s really like to serve as an EMT and paramedic: the realities behind the sirens, the heart behind the uniform, and the calling that keeps her sh...

Libraries are so much more than shelves of books. They’re places where curiosity is sparked, lifelong learning begins, and people of all ages find connection, resources, and support. From early readers to adults reinventing themselves, libraries help ensure that knowledge, opportunity, and imagination are accessible to everyone. Jeffrey Machno, the Liaison of Community Engagement and Adult Programming for the Little Falls Pub...

Healing doesn’t always happen in a doctor’s office. Sometimes it happens on a stage, through story, music, or the courage to begin again. Dr. Joan Liman is a physician, public health leader, producer, and performer whose journey took her from healing bodies in medicine to healing hearts through the performing arts. After holding senior leadership roles in medical education and hospital administration, she retired from m...

Following a dream usually starts with a feeling you can’t quite shake, and then a whole lot of persistence along the way. Singer, songwriter, and musician, Stella Crispo, has been following that pull through music for most of her life. From early lessons to performing on stages both near and far, Stella’s journey is a powerful example of resilience - staying true to your passion while pushing through challenges and cont...

Suzanne Trauth is a talented novelist, playwright, and former theatre professor. She is the author of the Dodie O’Dell mystery series, the suspense novel The First to Die, and the award-winning historical romance What Remains of Love. Her plays have been performed across the country, sharing powerful stories of resilience and hope. In addition to writing, Suzanne coaches actors and mentors creative talent within our community...

Organ donation is one of the most powerful gifts a human being can offer. For thousands of people living with advanced kidney disease, that gift is not just meaningful … it’s essential. Behind every successful transplant is the compassion of a donor and the tireless advocacy of people who fight to give patients hope. Donna Tissot dedicates her life to supporting individuals whose kidney disease has progressed to the po...

The media has always played a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, but over the past few decades, that role has changed dramatically. From the trusted voices of evening newscasts to the endless scroll of social media, the way we get our news — and who we trust to deliver it — has evolved beyond recognition. These changes have left many of us wondering about the cost of this constant flood of information. Tina ...

It’s never too late to chase a dream, rewrite your story, or start something entirely new. For many, the second act of life is where the real magic begins. Christine Hablitz is someone who’s living proof that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Christine has returned to school, serves as a councilwoman, organizes events that bring the Little Falls community together, and is constantly finding new...

Reading is more than just a fundamental skill, it's a gateway to opportunity, imagination, and lifelong learning. In a world increasingly shaped by digital media and fast-paced communication, the ability to read, understand, and critically engage with information is more important than ever. Linda Hoffman understands the transformative power of reading on a deeply personal and professional level. As the director of the Alfred ...