Navel Gazing, The Valley Indy Podcast
223 episodes - English - Latest episode: 6 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsNavel Gazing is ValleyIndy.org's podcast.
Each week features a 1-hour discussion with a local newsmaker.
ValleyIndy.org is a nonprofit online newspaper in Ansonia, CT.
The show is also heard on WNHH-LP, a community radio station in New Haven, CT.
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Episodes
Derby CT Legislative Meeting Of Oct 12 2023
October 23, 2023 20:44 - 2 hours - 163 MBDerby CT Legislative Meeting Of Oct 12 2023
Happy New Year From The Valley Independent Sentinel
January 02, 2023 20:09 - 35 minutes - 40.8 MBShow guide: 4:00 minute mark: The Valley Indy tries for figure out whether to put the garbage cans out. 6:26: The Valley Indy tries to figure out when to throw out the Christmas tree. 8:14: Ansonia police are investigating a commercial burglary. 10:35: Ansonia are investigating two shootings during which no injuries were reported. 13:25: Jean's top five stories of the year! 17:10: A look at upcoming municipal meetings in Ansonia, Derby & Seymour. 24:25: We listen to Ansonia May...
Kara Rochelle Victory Speech
November 09, 2022 17:35 - 1 minute - 953 KBState Rep. Kara Rochelle won a third term to represent Ansonia and Derby in Hartford, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election. Unofficial results shared by Rochelle’s campaign show her beating her opponent, Josh Shuart, 3,305 to 2,987. Rochelle is a Democrat who lives in Ansonia. Shuart, a college professor, lives in Ansonia and is president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen. Updated numbers from the state Wednesday morning has Rochelle winning 3,371 to 3,022.
Josh Shuart Concession Speech
November 09, 2022 17:34 - 2 minutes - 3.06 MBState Rep. Kara Rochelle won a third term to represent Ansonia and Derby in Hartford, according to unofficial results from Tuesday’s election. Unofficial results shared by Rochelle’s campaign show her beating her opponent, Josh Shuart, 3,305 to 2,987. Rochelle is a Democrat who lives in Ansonia. Shuart, a college professor, lives in Ansonia and is president of the Ansonia Board of Aldermen. Updated numbers from the state Wednesday morning has Rochelle winning 3,371 to 3,022.
Ansonia Comic Pat Oates!
October 11, 2022 20:13 - 43 minutes - 49.2 MBPat Oates is a standup comic who has appeared on WPLR, "Who Are These Podcasts," and Compound Media. Oates is determined to bring live comedy to the Valley, and he's doing it through organizing open mic & regular shows at Retro Grub & Pub and RiverWalk Social, both on Elizabeth Street in downtown Derby.
Restore The Ansonia Opera House!
September 08, 2022 13:44 - 20 minutes - 23.2 MBIn this episode of "Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast," reporter Eugene Driscoll plays clips from the very first meeting of the Ansonia Opera House Committee, a group that is working to restore the . . . you guessed it, the Ansonia Opera House!
Political Clashes Between Mayor & Alders Continue In Derby
August 31, 2022 21:09 - 26 minutes - 30.2 MBNavel Gazing returns with clips from a contentious Derby Aldermen meeting of Aug. 11, 2022.
Conan v Highlander In Seymour, CT
July 21, 2022 01:06 - 31 minutes - 36.3 MBClick the play for an interview with John Marini of ‘Sci-Fi At The Strand.’ Two classic fantasy flicks are screening Saturday night at The Strand in Seymour (Connecticut): “Conan the Barbarian,” the 1982 movie that put Arnold Schwarzenegger on the map, and; “Highlander,” the only-in-the-80s could this thing have been made flick starring Christopher Lambert.
Brian Volk-Weiss Talks VICE TV 'Star Wars' Documentary
July 15, 2022 17:18 - 48 minutes - 55.6 MBBrian Volk-Weiss is the guy behind the hugely popular Netflix documentary series 'The Toys That Made Us' and 'The Movies That Made Us.' He's back with "Icons Unearthed," whose first chunk of episodes concentrates on the making of 'Star Wars.' Volk-Weiss landed a six-hour interview with legendary movie editor Marcia Lucas for the series, which premiered July 12, 2022. He's also worked with every comedian known to God. Click play!
'I'm Sorry You Guys Had To Come Here'
July 15, 2022 05:04 - 27 minutes - 31.4 MBDerby Senior Center members did not sound happy on Thursday after learning the Derby Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen would not vote again on an agreement to merge its senior center with Ansonia and send Derby members to a new senior center under construction in Ansonia.
Ansonia Olson Drive Public Hearing
July 15, 2022 01:34 - 1 hour - 97.3 MBAudio from the July 12, 2022 public hearing on whether Ansonia should sell land on Olson Drive to a private developer who wants to build a sports complex. But before that, listen to The Valley Indy reporter blab about missing a Derby meeting, promote Ansonia Paraconn, and mess up a City of Ansonia song. Cheap. Free. Forever? ValleyIndy.org
Derby Talks Investigative Report
June 22, 2022 16:55 - 23 minutes - 26.6 MBThe Derby corporation counsel talks about an investigative report with members of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen.
Derby Officials Argue Over Procedure
June 20, 2022 22:52 - 10 minutes - 13.4 MBDerby Mayor Rich Dziekan's administration has changed the way the monthly agenda for the city's legislative body is put together. While the administration says they are simply following the Derby City Charter, the Democratic majority of the Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen think otherwise. In this audio clip, Derby Town/City Clerk Marc Garofalo complains about the mayor's new policies, saying it hurts the public's access to local government.
Santi v Eugene
June 16, 2022 02:05 - 48 minutes - 55.8 MBValley Indy Facebook reader Santiago Achinelli thinks 10 hours isn't enough time for a person to respond for comment to a news article. The Valley Indy says 10 hours is enough time, especially if there's a primary-source document explaining the person's views.
Derby Rejects Senior Center Agreement With Ansonia By A 5-4 Vote
June 10, 2022 16:00 - 20 minutes - 23.6 MBAudio of the discussion from the June 9, 2022 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen. For the full story go to ValleyIndy.org and search 'Derby Rejects Senior Center Agreement With Ansonia By A 5-4 Vote.'
Dew Drop Inn Owner Talks Wings, Inflation, And Staying Relevant In The Bar World
May 19, 2022 20:50 - 36 minutes - 51.1 MBJason Carlucci, owner of The Dew Drop Inn in Derby, CT, talks about wings, inflation, and staying relevant in the ever-changing tavern world. Recorded during The Valley Indy Great Give Livestream of 2022. Please note Jay is the only 'Navel Gazing' guest to accuse The Valley Indy of stealing ketchup.
Reaction: Derby Adopts A Budget
April 29, 2022 00:15 - 11 minutes - 13.2 MBThe Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation adopted a budget of $48,385,128 on April 28. There's no mill rate increase. This podcast has clips from the end of the meeting, including statements from BOAT chairman Jeff Polis on what the budget accomplishes, and a statement from Derby Town Clerk Marc Garofalo on how the board worked through a highly unusual budget season.
State Could Intervene In Derby's Financial Practices
April 21, 2022 01:59 - 19 minutes - 22.1 MBCiting a lack of progress and a lack of staff in its finance department, an advisory commission could recommend the City of Derby be placed under the watch of the state's Municipal Accountability Review Board (MARB). The city already meets regularly with the Municipal Finance Advisory Council, but that's only advisory -- MARB has teeth. The move to MARB would put Derby finances under some degree of official state oversight. Example: cities designated as "tier II" must have budget proje...
Is Your Government Open?
April 13, 2022 23:19 - 26 minutes - 30.2 MBThomas Hennick, the public education officer for the Connecticut Freedom of Information Commission, returns to the podcast to offer his informed opinions on a bunch or real-world open government issues faced by Valley Indy reporter Eugene Driscoll. Enjoy!
Derby Education Funding Debate
April 07, 2022 19:56 - 28 minutes - 32.4 MBDerby Mayor Rich Dziekan was willing to allocate more money for education in his budget but wanted to tie funding to academic performance, according to statements made at the Tuesday, April 5 meeting of the Derby Board of Apportionment and Taxation. In addition, a $1 million increase in medical insurance costs for the school district precluded additional funding from the city because the mayor had capped all department increases to no more than 2.5 percent. Jim Gildea, chairman of the De...
Godzilla And The Ansonia Opera House Lease
March 22, 2022 14:23 - 44 minutes - 50.5 MBJohn Marini joins 'Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,' to talk about two subjects: a 'Godzilla' double feature in Seymour to raise money for the people of Ukraine, and a just-signed lease agreement between the City of Ansonia and the owners of the Ansonia Opera House at 100 Main St. The lease agreement discussion starts 19 minutes and 47 seconds into the broadcast.
Talking Ansonia Finances With CFO Kurt Miller
February 28, 2022 11:33 - 47 minutes - 54.6 MBAnsonia Chief Financial Officer Kurt Miller explains why the city isn't sticking to the rules with the city's budget process, and why the city enacted a spending freeze at the start of the year.
An Interview With Seymour First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis
February 17, 2022 22:46 - 38 minutes - 133 MB VideoSEYMOUR — First Selectwoman Annmarie Drugonis joined The Valley Indy live on Facebook to talk about the Seymour budget process, a bunch of items related to economic development, and to take questions from the audience.
Derby Subcommittee Meeting
February 15, 2022 20:52 - 3 minutes - 4.09 MBAt a Derby Aldermanic subcommittee meeting in January 2022, members of the subcommitee made a motion to pass information related to the formation of a search committee to hire an economic development director to the full Board of Aldermen/Alderwomen. This is simply audio of the motion was made.
Apply For A VCF Grant; Ansonia BOAT Controversy
February 09, 2022 23:27 - 43 minutes - 50.1 MBOn this week's episode Valerie Knight-DiGangi of The Valley Community Foundation stops by to encourage groups to apply for a VFC "responsive needs" grant, which are multi-year grants that can be used to bolster a nonprofit group's operating budget. The deadline for "responsive needs" grant applications is Feb. 24, so head to the VCF website to learn more and to complete an application. At about the 31 minute of the podcast, the topic switches to a recent debate that started during a meet...
Ow Whoo, Werewolves Of Derby
February 04, 2022 19:00 - 44 minutes - 61.4 MBDerby's Larry Dwyer and special FX makeup artist Brian Spears ('Orange Is The New Black,' 'The Punisher') talk about 'The Howling' and 'Ginger Snaps,' a double bill happening Feb. 19 in Seymour, Conn. Tickets here. https://www.connecticutcultclassics.com/ Here is the show guide: 0:56 'Derby, Connecticut . . . what a nice small Connecticut town.' 3:35 Larry talks 'Night of the Werewolf 2' 4:50 Which is better: 'An American Werewolf in London' or 'The Howling?' 6:15 ...
Seymour School District Deficit Discussion
January 25, 2022 18:13 - 17 minutes - 23.5 MBThis episode features clips from the Jan. 24, 2022 meeting of the Seymour Board of Education during which the superintendent announces there is an approximate $839,000 hole in the education budget. Please visit ValleyIndy.org or the Seymour Public Schools website for more info.
Derby Fire Chief Talks Whirlwind COVID Test Kit Distribution
January 04, 2022 22:13 - 22 minutes - 25.5 MBDerby Fire Department Chief David Lenart reviews the ups and downs of this past weekend's COVID-19 home test kit distribution. As of Tuesday, Jan. 4, officials do not know when the next distribution will take place. However, the test kits are available to purchase and local stores and on Amazon, until they are not.
Lamont Press Conference On New COVID-19 School Safety Guidance
January 04, 2022 18:50 - 1 hour - 72.1 MBGov. Lamont and his department heads said Jan. 4 there are no plans to allow remote learning in Connecticut schools, though the state's positivity rate keeps getting higher. But, before that, The Valley Indy reporter admits he's tired of reading your anti-COVID vaccination posts on Facebook.
Seymour Police Announce Arrest In Connection To Hit And Run
December 23, 2021 19:55 - 30 minutes - 35 MBPolice believe Jair Irogoyen — Flores, 24 of West Haven, was driving a neighbor’s Acura MDX when he struck James and Barbara Tamborra, both 81 of Shelton, as they tried to cross Route 67 the evening of Dec. 10.
Derby Education Leaders Oppose Ansonia's Regionalization Idea
December 20, 2021 19:47 - 34 minutes - 39.3 MBDERBY -- The Derby Board of Education voted 6-0 to oppose a plan laid out by Ansonia to merge school districts. While the vote is symbolic -- the Derby BOE has no formal say in the process -- its chairman is the co-chair of the regionalization committee, and a petition has started online opposing the merger resolution as presented by Ansonia. This podcast episode contains the audio from the Derby school board's discussion.
Neech Is Back!
December 16, 2021 19:18 - 42 minutes - 48.6 MBDerby's Mike Cannici, the host of "Hometown Heroes" on Comcast and YouTube, returns to the podcast to update on the latest version of his long-running local talk show. Cannici talks local sports, interviewing Ralph Mouth from "Happy Days," and explains how the show has changed during the COVID era.
Toys 4 Kids And The Valley Apartment Crunch
November 22, 2021 21:19 - 35 minutes - 41 MBOn this week’s “Navel Gazing: The Valley Indy Podcast,” a few all-stars from TEAM, Inc. stop by a Zoom room to talk about two important topics: 1. The annual “Toys 4 Kids” campaign, which benefits thousands of area children, and; 2. The volatile Valley rental market, where it is becoming increasingly difficult to find apartments. Press play to listen, and please note the podcast is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
Shelton's Lauretti, VCOG Dunne, CT DOT Honcho Talk About $12.6 Million Train Station Grant
November 20, 2021 03:45 - 26 minutes - 37 MBThe state DOT announced Friday it is receiving a $12.6 million grant to update the Derby-Shelton train station. This episode features Valley Indy ramblings interspersed with people who know what they're talking about: VCOG Exec Dir Rick Dunne, Shelton Mayor Mark Lauretti, and CT DOT Commissioner Joseph J. Giulietti. Valley Indy story here: https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/12.6_million_grant_will_rehab_and_upgrade_derby-shelton_train_station/
Ansonia Officials Discuss Olson Drive
November 15, 2021 22:35 - 6 minutes - 12.3 MBMayor David Cassetti’s administration said there are still no formal agreements in place nor contracts signed between the City of Ansonia and The Primrose Companies, the developer that has been eyeing Olson Drive for a recreation facility since 2019. The topic came up during an Ansonia Board of Aldermen meeting on Nov. 9. This podcast contains the audio from the discussion. Read The Valley Indy story here: https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/no_deal_yet_on_olson_drive...
Sci-Fi At The Strand Pits He-Man Against The Ninja Turtles
November 14, 2021 02:39 - 53 minutes - 78.5 MBJohn from Pint o Comics is the guest host of this very special episode. Guest John Marini of Sci-Fi at the Strand (165 Main St. Seymour, CT) is hosting a double feature Nov. 20, 2021: "Masters of the Universe" (1987) and "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" (1990). Tickets: www.eventbrite.com/e/turtle-power-double-feature-tickets-187768018197
Navel Gazing With Jim Gildea And Kurt Miller
November 11, 2021 02:40 - 58 minutes - 80 MBEpisode guide: First three minutes and fifty seconds: introductions & insults 4 min: Gildea & Miller react to last week's election results. 14 min, 25 seconds: Miller and Gildea react to a recent Hartford Courant story about state Rep. Kara Rochelle consulting for West Haven. 33 min, 46 seconds: Reaction to Mayor Cassetti's rant against Derby on WICC radio. This podcast is sponsored by ValleyGivesBack.org.
Audio From Nov. 10 Press Conference At Ansonia PD
November 10, 2021 16:41 - 11 minutes - 15.1 MBA 28-year-old man was charged with murder and risk of injury to a minor after allegedly killing his wife inside 73 Root Ave. Tuesday afternoon in Ansonia. Kamil Zielinski is scheduled to appear in Superior Court in Derby today (Wednesday, Nov. 10). His name and charges were discussed at a press conference at the Ansonia Police Department. Police identified the victim Wednesday as Grace Zielinska, a mother of three children, ages 5, 3 and four months.
Valley Indy Post-Election Analysis!
November 04, 2021 23:08 - 57 minutes - 80.3 MBWill Cassetti be Mayor for Life in Ansonia? What are the Democrats plan for the Board of Aldermen/women in Derby? Did the Ansonia GOP hide from the press? What's the message from voters in Derby? Can the Ansonia Democrats recover from Tuesday's trouncing? Those questions are asked -- and so much more -- in The Valley Indy's 2021 Election Post-Election Autopsy! The guests include: Kianna DeCiucis, Ansonia Democratic campaign manager John Marini, Ansonia GOP chairman Aldermen...
Fill Out Your Forms, Candidates
October 12, 2021 11:13 - 5 minutes - 6.75 MBThe Valley Indy is attempting a public service project by giving every candidate for office in Ansonia, Derby & Seymour the opportunity to explain why they're running. Ansonia Aldermen have been given the additional opportunity to film video interviews about their candidacies -- something that's never been attempted in the lower Naugatuck Valley before. But -- candidates have to be able to make themselves available.
Valley Indy After Dark, Part IV: Halloween Edition
October 09, 2021 13:02 - 1 hour - 81.3 MBLarry Dwyer of Connecticut Cult Classics joins the podcast to talk about a Tromatic double feature happening Oct. 23 in Seymour, Connecticut. Matt Maisto previews the latest episode of 'Mondo Creepy,' set to premiere Saturday, Oct. 9 at 11 p.m. EST on YouTube. Recorded live while on Valley Indy Facebook.
Ansonia Has A New Theme Song
September 29, 2021 20:22 - 27 minutes - 31.4 MBAnsonia Mayor David Cassetti, Economic Development Director Sheila O'Malley, and Corporation Counsel John Marini talk about "Ansonia Recharged," a song commissioned as a marketing tool for the city. Joining the conversation is Richard Demko, the song's writer and composer, and Rafael Klein, who shot a video for the tune.
Apartments Proposed In Derby; Weed, Motels, & Rock Crushing On The Agenda In Ansonia
September 17, 2021 19:01 - 18 minutes - 16.7 MBA preview of some stuff happening in Derby and Ansonia.
The Ultimate Galante Trasher Netflix Doc Reaction Roundtable
September 09, 2021 13:36 - 52 minutes - 59.6 MBPress play to listen to a bunch of former Danbury journalists and the former Danbury mayor talk about the former Danbury hockey team, now featured in a Netflix true crime documentary. Some minor corrections to the record: Guest Brian Koonz says the Trasher's salary cap was $250,000: he emailed me after the interview to say it was actually $275,000. Mayor Boughton mentions a documentary titled "Wild Wild West." It's actually "Wild, Wild Country." I misstate the year of a News-Times G...
Retired Stuntman Talks Dennis Hopper, John Candy, Leatherface, and (sigh) Steven Seagal
August 23, 2021 18:45 - 31 minutes - 56.6 MBBob Elmore, the stuntman best known for breathing life into Leatherface during the truly distasteful 'Texas Chainsaw Massacre Part II,' talks to The Valley Indy about working with Dennis Hopper, teaming with John Candy -- and taking a punch from the loathsome Steven Seagal. Elmore is appearing Sept. 18, 2021 at CT Horror Fest at the Naugatuck Events Center in Nagautuck, CT. For more info visit CTHorror.com
Derby P&Z Approves Apartments For Elizabeth Street
July 21, 2021 11:59 - 46 minutes - 53.6 MBMembers of the city’s planning and zoning commission approved an application on July 20, 2021 to allow 32 market-rate apartments to be constructed within a large building at 33 Main St. There will be 22 studio apartments and 10 one bedroom apartments. The studio apartments will range from 475 square feet to 689 square feet. The one bedroom apartments will range from 594 square feet to 736 square feet. The building owner is hoping to set starting rents somewhere between $1,000 and $1,200 ...
Derby Meets With The Municipal Finance Advisory Commission
July 13, 2021 16:52 - 25 minutes - 29.3 MBA state panel keeping a close eye on Derby's troubled financial recording practices likes the fact that the city is hiring qualified personnel to run its finance department. Outgoing interim finance director David Taylor and Mayor Rich Dziekan's Chief of Staff Andrew Baklik appeared virtually June 30 in front of the Municipal Finance Advisory Commission. Click play to listen.
A Million Bucks For Ansonia
July 09, 2021 11:32 - 42 minutes - 48.5 MBConnecticut’s governor and a cadre of elected officials were in the city July 8 to celebrate the city receiving $1 million from the state to go toward the environmental assessment, demolition, and remediation of the former Farrel Foundry and Machine Co. site at the corner of Main Street and North Main Street in Ansonia, CT. This episode contains the audio from the press conference, along with info about a weekend concert and a fireworks show over the weekend in Ansonia.
Derby's Late Audits
June 13, 2021 20:15 - 8 minutes - 9.39 MBIn this clip from the June 10 meeting of the Derby Board of Aldermen & Alderwomen, Alderwoman Barbara DeGennaro asks why the city can't get a financial audit completed on deadline.
Is Derby Getting That Million Bucks Or What?
May 21, 2021 19:56 - 33 minutes - 38.1 MBDERBY -- At the May 18 Derby budget vote, tax board member Brian Coppolo said the city's wasn't getting $1.23 million in "distressed municipality" funding from the state. Press play for a closer look at the issue.