Your Hometown Podcast

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: The Heart of Healthcare

Nursing is the heart of healthcare where compassion meets clinical expertise to provide holistic, life-saving care. Nurses are often the first to comfort, the last to leave, and the steady presence that holds the system together. Jennifer Kula Spirio brings a lifetime of wisdom and heart to the world of healthcare. Jennifer is a seasoned nurse with decades of experience at the bedside, in leadership roles, and now as an educator shaping the next generation of nurses. She’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of the medical field—from handwritten charts to digital records, from a task-oriented model to a more holistic, patient-centered approach. She joins us to share the changes she’s seen, the lessons she’s learned, and where she believes the future of nursing needs to go in order to truly serve both patients and providers. Jennifer has worked as a registered nurse, nursing educator, and adult nurse practitioner.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the importance of holidays and rituals to our mental health, and Dr. Sunitha Moonthungal, director of Primary Care Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the importance of preventative care.

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Lessons from the Dying

Those who are dying or in grief often hold a kind of wisdom that only opens through deep reflection and emotional honesty. In facing the end of life or profound loss, they remind us of what truly matters. Anthony Sgobba has worked closely with people at the end of life or those in grief. Through stories they have shared, Anthony has witnessed their final reflections about what truly matters, what they regret, what they cherish most. He shares those insights to help us all live more fully, right now.
Anthony is a member of the Little Falls Township Council. He has served on the Little Falls Library Board, the Little Falls Board of Education, and the Passaic Valley Board of Education. He is the co-owner of Sgobba Monument Works located in Totowa, NJ.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex father/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Dr. Christopher Awwad, a family medicine physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about men’s health.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: STEM Education in the Real World

Science is the foundation of progress—it drives innovation, fuels discovery, and helps us make sense of the world around us. In today’s rapidly evolving world, encouraging the study of science and other STEM fields is more important than ever. Rich Paleski is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the world of broadcast television. With a more than 40-year career in broadcast engineering, Rich helped keep the shows we love on air with precision, innovation, and technical excellence. He is passionate about the importance of STEM education and is an advocate for inspiring the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. Rich most recently held the position of director of Broadcast Operation and Engineering for WCBS television. He invented the CBS mobile weather lab, and was an adjunct professor for Drexel University.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex father/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Dr. Christopher Awwad, a family medicine physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about men’s health.

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice

We celebrate Memorial Day in the month of May, a time to recognize honor, service, and the sacrifice that too often goes unnoticed. Herb Brychta is a proud military veteran who is the commander of the American Legion Post 108. With years of service to our country and continued leadership, he brings a perspective that is both deeply personal and incredibly important. Herb talks about his journey through military service, the realities of life after duty, and the work being done through the American Legion to uplift and support those who have served.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex mother/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost.
This episode is sponsored by 
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Answering the Call to Duty

We celebrate Memorial Day in the month of May, a time to honor those who gave everything for our freedom and to reflect on sacrifice and what it truly means to serve. Jairo Rodriguez is a proud veteran who has shown incredible dedication to our country — both in uniform and in continued service beyond. He talks about his experience in the armed forces, and the lessons he learned about leadership, resilience, and teamwork. His story is one of courage and purpose. 
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and then Press 1
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex mother/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Darian Eletto, director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, explains how to recognize the signs of depression and the evolving treatment options.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJ

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Aiding Underserved Communities

Medical missionary work transforms lives around the world. Little Falls native, Jim Pullara, has been part of three surgical missions that brought life-changing procedures to some of the world’s poorest and most underserved communities. He talks about the heart behind the mission, the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, and the unforgettable stories that make it all worth while.Jim has seen firsthand how access to surgical care can restore dignity and offer. Jim is a vascular and general operating room nurse.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses autism signs, awareness, and acceptance.
 
This episode is sponsored by 
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Running In To Danger - Life As A Firefighter

Firefighters are vital to our communities, providing life-saving support, protection, and calm in the midst of chaos when every second counts. They are the backbone of our safety, rushing into danger when others run away. Their courage, commitment, and quick thinking save lives and bring hope in moments of crisis. Todd Hollritt is a true hometown hero — a dedicated fireman who puts his life on the line to protect and serve the Woodland Park community. He talks about his journey with the West Paterson Fire Department and offers insight into the Department’s rich history. Todd joined the WPFD in 1980; he just entered his 45thth year of service with Rifle Camp Fire Company 3. Over the years, he served as first and second lieutenant and captain. Todd is a correspondent with First Responder News, and the historian at Company 3, responsible for documenting the history of the West Paterson Fire Department and surrounding fire departments.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses autism signs, awareness, and acceptance.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.Kinderkamack Counseling

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Working for Change

People power can take many forms depending on what kind of change is desired. Whether we want to change a government, company, community or individual, we each have the power to make a difference. Mark DeLotto is a Little Falls native who has a vision for what he calls “a stronger America” that is inspired by the American Dream. Mark ran for election to the U.S. House to represent New Jersey's 11th Congressional District, and is the founder of The Singular Movement, a grassroots effort to build a fair and effective system that allows Americans to better afford healthcare, retirement, housing, education, and entrepreneurship.
Also in this episode, Dr. Sufian Sorathia, the medical director for Endoscopy and assistant medical director of Ambulatory Care, for at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can prevent and treat colon cancer.
 
This episode is sponsored by 
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Advocating for Mental Health Awareness

March is a significant month for mental health awareness, with several key days dedicated to increasing understanding and breaking the stigma around mental health conditions. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, community events, or simple conversations, each of us has the power to make a difference. Phyllis Hornstra is passionate about educating, supporting, and advocating for mental health awareness. She is an accomplished court executive with record of achievement and results in six court divisions. Phyllis is chair of the Woodland Park Stigma Free Task Force, a member of the Board of Adjustment, and is a certified in Domestic Violence Response Team and Custody Mediation 
Also in this episode, Sufian Sorathia, the medical director for Endoscopy and assistant medical director of Ambulatory Care at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can prevent and treat colon cancer.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center
 
Show Website

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Governing for a Better Tomorrow

Politics is personal and it starts at the local level. Local elected officials are the ones who make decisions that affect our everyday lives and impact communities. Little Falls Mayor, James Damiano, talks about why he ran for mayor and how the role has impacted his life. Mayor Damiano is a lifelong Little Falls resident who was recently elected to another term as the Township’s leader.
Also in this episode, Dr. Irfan Admani, chief of Cardiology at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can maintain heart health.