Your Hometown Podcast

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, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses why family traditions are so important to our emotional health.

In her younger years, Woodland Park Mayor, Tracy Kallert, never imagined she would one day be running her home town. As a lifelong resident, she loved Woodland Park, but when she pictured the mayor, she didn’t see someone who looked like her. After being encouraged to try her hand at politics, she learned that even though she didn’t have experience, she had a knack for the job and she uncovered talents that had been hidden. Today, Mayor Kallert is the first female elected mayor of the Borough, an honor she treasures. She talks about her journey from a single mom to borough leader, and inspires us to believe that achieving anything in life is possible.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses why family traditions are so important to our emotional health.
 

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we planned. Sometimes a major life change—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, divorce, illness, or another unexpected challenge—forces us to begin again. But those difficult moments can also become the start of an exciting new chapter. After the death of her beloved husband, Jim, Donna Scancarella chose to say “yes” to life, followed a longtime dream, and launched her own business as an independent fashion stylist with Cabi. Her infectious positivity, unwavering gratitude, and belief that when you look good, you feel good, have inspired countless women to embrace change with confidence. Donna shares how she turned heartbreak into hope and why it’s never too late to reinvent your life.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses why family traditions are so important to our emotional health.
 
This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet of Clifton

Success rarely happens by accident. More often, it’s built through years of discipline, sacrifice, and a willingness to keep going even when the road feels uncertain. Following a dream asks something of us — focus, resilience, and the courage to stay committed long before the rewards ever show up. Dr. Domenick Randazzo is a respected cardiologist whose work has placed him at the center of some of life’s most critical and defining moments. He talks about the realities of practicing medicine, and the human side of a profession where every day can change a life.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses how the beach naturally calms the nervous system, and how it can create a sense of emotional space, perspective, and release.
 
This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls
Pure Balance Center
Super Fresh of Woodland Park
 
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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 entrepreneurship continues to shape both his life and his  community.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses how the beach naturally calms the nervous system, and how it can create a sense of emotional space, perspective, and release.
This episode is sponsored by
Pizza City
Legal Leaf NJ
Super Fresh of Woodland Park
 

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 professional Realtor with JK Realty in Clifton and has been actively involved in supporting community organizations and charitable fundraising efforts for causes that help people in need.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses how the beach naturally calms the nervous system, and how it can create a sense of emotional space, perspective, and release.

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 developmental disabilities, is the  founder of Guiding Hands Guardianship Services, and co-founder of PACOPAD. She talks about the realities families face, the importance of advocacy, and how to navigate the systems and services that support loved ones with disabilities.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses the complex relationship we have with body image.
 
This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls
Pure Balance Center
Super Fresh of Woodland Park
 

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 their success in America, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions while embracing a new society. Adam is a councilman in Woodland Park and a Deputy with the Passaic County Sheriff's Office.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses the complex relationship we have with body image.
 
This episode is sponsored by
Pizza City
Legal Leaf NJ
Super Fresh of Woodland Park

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 paired with purpose—when it becomes a way to give back, to serve, to uplift—something truly meaningful happens. Todd Daigneault is a chef with not only exceptional culinary talent, but a genuinely big heart. Todd has spent years in the catering world, bringing people together through food, but what sets him apart is how he’s used that same passion to support his community. Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses the complex relationship we have with body image.This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet of Clifton

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 about what it means to reinvent yourself later in life and how one bold decision, like going to law school, can change everything. Toni is a highly respected matrimonial attorney and Municipal Court Judge with a career spanning over four decades.
Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses how to support and care for those battling mental health issues, and Larry Klein, director of Social Services and Behavioral Health at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, explains how in patient psychiatric care works and what families and patients need to know.
This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls
Pure Balance Center
Super Fresh of Woodland Park