Your Hometown Podcast

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Combating Human Trafficking

Human trafficking happens everywhere and it can happen to anyone. It impacts people in big cities, and right in your own backyard. Understanding the problem and learning the signs can help put an end to this growing crisis. Patti Pfeifer works tirelessly to raise awareness about human trafficking and to create a safer state. Patti co-chair of the Outreach Committee for the New Jersey Coalition Against Human Trafficking. She discusses the myths and misconceptions of human trafficking and what we can do to make a difference.

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Reinventing Yourself for Success

They say that food is love. For Tom Halik, those words ring true. From cooking for the Ambassador to Iceland, which included meals for dignitaries such as President George Bush, to serving as chef at several restaurants, to owning his own bakery, Tom has continually followed his passion and reinvented himself when necessary. He talks about some of the lessons he has learned while navigating the ups and downs of a challenging industry. Tom is a baker, chef, and owner of Just Rugelach.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: The Legacy of Actor Abe Vigoda

Whether you knew him as Tesio in The Godfather or as Fish in Barney Miller, actor Abe Vigoda brought joy to many throughout his more than six decades in show business. Abe proved himself in dramatic roles and also as a comedic genius. His dead-pan expression made the punch lines unexpected and hilarious. Carol Vigoda Fuchs talks about her father’s legacy and what is was like to grow up with such a famous dad. Carol is a writer and artist, who is the author of the children’s book, Seasons Change and So Do I.

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Following A Dream

Whatever your dream may be, the idea of actually following that dream can be terrifying. Instead of doing what you really want, you may strive to meet the expectations of others because you fear what they may think. Pursuing your dream is worth it. Studies show that living as your authentic self can help you find more meaning in life, among other benefits. In addition, research as shown that people are far more likely to regret what they didn’t do, than what they did. Jess Leprotto had a big dream and he went for it. His passion made him unstoppable and today he is achieving tremendous success in his chosen field. Jess is an actor, dancer, singer, and Broadway performer whose credits include A Beautiful Noise, Hello Dolly, Carousel, Cats, Newsies, among others. Jess also appeared in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Living with A Chronic Disease

Living with a life-threatening illness can trigger an array of emotions. Sometimes medical interventions work, and sometimes they don’t. For the past 40 years, Sam Gencarelli has navigated the highs and lows of living with chronic kidney disease. Through four decades of difficult treatment, which included three failed transplant attempts, Sam remains positive and continues his fight.  He discusses why it is important to remain hopeful and grateful, even when the odds are against you.

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: From Recovery to Helping Others

Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideas that can impact you for the rest of your life. Research has shown that people who volunteer regularly are healthier, typically live longer, and have better psychological well-being. Bob Dombrowski has spent most of his life involved with some type of charitable organization. He learned the value of support after his father died suddenly leaving his mother to care for three young children, and later in life when he battled alcoholism. According to Bob, those struggles “just made me know what it's like to need help." Today, Bob devotes his energy to making sure others don’t experience the pain he knows so well. He became a counselor to help young people overcome their addiction and he frequently donates his time assisting the St. Agnes Food Pantry.

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma

What you experience in childhood and how you grow up have huge implications for how you are as an adult. Adverse childhood experiences can be passed from generation to generation as if they were genetic. So breaking the cycle of generational trauma is no easy feat. Angela Fraser’s early years were extremely challenging. Her family survived day by day, living in public housing and with the assistance of social programs. Angela decided at an early age that she would do anything necessary to have a different life. And she did. Angela put herself through college and worked for more than 34 years as a special education teacher for the city of Paterson. Her journey was riddled with challenges, but she faced every one of them head on and emerged stronger. Also in this episode, Darien Eletto, chief clinical officer of Behavioral Health Services for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses diagnosing and treating depression.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center
 
Show Website

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Fighting for Kids with Cancer

Little Falls resident, Jessica Myers, quit her job to help care for her three-year-old nephew, Liam, who was diagnosed with cancer eight weeks after he was born. Liam passed away August 17, 2023, but Jessica’s work continues with the non-profit, Liam’s Warriors, the charity that she created in her nephew’s memory, and the Red Carpet Warriors, a non-profit dedicated to raising awareness of childhood cancer. According to Jessica, “I never realized how bad childhood cancer was until I went to the oncology floor of the hospital. You see the commercials, but until you witness it for yourself, you don’t realize it.” She shares what it’s like to watch a child battle cancer, and how she works to raise awareness of this insidious disease.
Also in this episode, Dr. Gian Varbaro, the chief medical officer of Bergen New Bridge Medical Center discusses ways to achieve and maintain optimal health.
 
This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet Group

Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Navigating Life's Curveballs

When Lori Hinkle took her first drink in seventh grade, she had no idea that it would take her down a destructive path that would almost kill her. Battling addiction and alcoholism, and now care-giving for a child, Lori has had to overcome challenges that could destroy anyone. She talks about how we can navigate any struggle by taking it one day at a time. Lori is the president at Socks for Homeless Soles, a nonprofit she founded to provide socks and other items to homeless people.
 
This episode is sponsored by:Advanced Foot Care of NJMcBride Auto Body Inc.New Bridge Medical Center
 
Show Website

Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Finding Silver Linings

When we decide to have a child, we imagine all of the wonderful things that lie ahead, and we pray that everything will be okay. Nicole Gizzi had the same dreams when she was pregnant with her daughter, Marisa. But during a routine doctor visit, she learned that Marisa was diagnosed with several health issues. The doctors recommended termination, but Nicole chose to continue with the pregnancy. Nicole talks about what it was like to learn about Marisa’s diagnosis, and how she navigated the fear and uncertainty about the future. Today, Nicole and Marisa work to raise awareness and money for the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), the medical center that offered Nicole and Marisa hope. 
Also in this episode, Carlye Gilbert, director of Infection Prevention at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses ways to prevent disease and maintain well-being.
 
This episode is sponsored by:
Schumacher Chevrolet Group