Positive Blatherings Podcast

Act 2: Gratitude with Chris Wilmot

I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Chris Wilmot, a man with an incredible journey in both the film and sobriety communities. We shared our experiences in the film industry, our personal struggles, and the importance of gratitude in overcoming life's challenges. Chris, whose family has a rich history of political involvement and success, showed us how these experiences have shaped who he is today. During our conversation, Chris opened up about his 40-year journey to sobriety, wh...

Paris Bound: An Artist's Journey - with James Christopher Knight

In this fascinating episode, we explore the unconventional journey of artist and photographer James Christopher Knight. From Rochester to Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, and back to Rochester, James shares his experiences in the arts, communications, filmmaking, and playing in rock bands in LA. We discuss the importance of following our passions, the evolution of music formats, the cathartic nature of writing, and the impact of AI technology on various industries. We also dive into the beauty of ...

A Miracle of Evolution - with Ryan Dacko

In the film Jaws, Matt Hooper tells Mayor Larry Vaughn that sharks are a "Miracle of Evolution", in that all they do is swim, eat and make baby sharks. Today's Blathering guest is a miracle of evolution because Ryan Dacko has evolved over and over again. His latest evolution has given us The Jaws Obsession Podcast and The Book of Quint. The latter being a derivative work of Jaws as the backstory of Captain Quint. Ryan is the kind of guy who, when he decides he is going to do something, you ca...

A Joyful Perspective with Anthony Caruso

Anthony Caruso has an interesting story about life, recovery, art - and his perspective on joy is inspiring. Join us as we Blather about how Anthony found his way to a new life through art and recovery. You can find him on social media platforms and also www.artofrecovery.me

Possessed with Jowita Bydlowska

Jowita Bydlowska is no stranger to struggle. She has harnessed her struggles into her writing. In this Blathering, I have a candid conversation about her first book, Drunk Mom - her writing style, living as a single mom and author, plus why she believes her most recent book "Possessed" lives up to its name. I highly recommend her books = her writing style is honest, raw and addicting. You can find more about her at JowitaBydlowska.com The video version is available on YouTube: https://youtu....

Growing Out of Your Comfort Zone with David Stack

David Stack is an introvert who turned his shyness into a popular YouTube Channel, Stack's Urban Harvest. Listen as Dave and Fitz talk about Regenerative Gardening, making something out of nothing and his dedication to helping others. I am grateful to have been close friends with David for 20 years! Find David here: https://www.youtube.com/c/StacksUrbanHarvest

The Warm and Fuzzies with Dave Ackroyd

David Ackroyd spent a career in the New York State Education system starting out as a teacher and retiring in administration. Dave looks back on a career full of joy and "warm and fuzzy" moments as an educator.

Owning Your Attitude with Bobby Newman

Bobby Newman is one example of how it is more than possible to turn a life around. Bobby discusses his life in and out of jail, in recovery and giving back to children. Find more about Bobby Newman at newmaninterventions.com

Approachable, Engaging and Firm with Lisa Nolan

When I asked Lisa Nolan to describe herself in 3 words, she answered: Approachable, Engaging and Firm. Not only are these words spot-on, but after this conversation, I came to realize that these three words have important meanings when dealing with Domestic Violence (DV). As the Director of Prevention Education, Lisa is all about reaching people and giving them the knowledge to help themselves. As an empath, she wants to save everyone; as a realist, she knows that empowering them will be of g...

Just Show Up with Lillian Knight Faison

The first week of August is International Clown Week! (Aug 1-7) and i bring this to your attention not because I am a clown - it's because I know a great clown and she's my guest today! Lillian Knight Faison is a professional Nurse and knows a think or two about healing. She believes that laughter is one of the best ways to heal the human spirit and it was through clowning that she has found her joy. Certified by the fine folks at Grease Paint Alley (https://greasepaintalleyclowns.weebly.com/...

Creating, Living, Loving, Singing with Amanda Ashley

Amanda Ashley has made a wonderful name for herself in the music community, here in Rochester and all over the country and even the world. From her work with kids and the LGBTQ+ community to her soulful music projects and her podcast, Amanda has worked hard at spreading joy and peace wherever she goes. Join us in a Blathering that will be music to your ears. Find her at www.amandaashleymusic.com

The Introvert's Guide to Networking, with KL Wells

#100 - Luck brought me to this episode. KL Wells is the Founder and CEO of Voices In Courage, an organization devoted to supporting the families of people who suffer from addiction. Finding support and guidance for those who are helping to care for a loved one who are in the dark depths of addiction was next top impossible, which is why KL Wells started this organization. She saw a need because of her own personal experiences caring for her son. There are many nuggets of wisdom in this epi...

Changing the World, One Scene at a Time with Impact Interactive

Allison Roberts was my guest for episode 53 and we never got to talk about this amazing business she has helped create and build. Today, I Blather with the leadership of Impact Interactive, which is "A Theatre-based Approach to Professional Learning". They help businesses and organizations train their staff on many issues, including sexual harassment and racism. Join me with Allison, Jodie Beckwith and Jonathan Ntheketha as we discuss this vital and fun way of helping our world make the chang...

From the Ground Up with Becca Delaney Johnson

Becca Delaney Johnson is quiet, timid and shy. So, if you didn't just laugh outloud then you clearly don't know Becca! The CEO of The Cause Collaborative Cause Collab, Becca has helped to define something now known as Cause Marketing. Her business caters to Not-For-Profit organizations...but the business is very much for-profit! However, she has carved a thoughtful and successful niche in this space, helping organizations spend their marketing dollars effectively all while designing strategie...

Designing Success with Hot Air : Kelly Cheatle and Larry Moss of Airigami

Kelly and Larry are two of the smartest, nicest and most generous people I am honored to know and have been fortunate enough to work with. They have built a business and also helped to grow a vibrant arts community in Rochester, New York. This is a super fun Blathering where we learn how these two fabulous minds joined powers for doing good in the world

Who Am I, Really? With Kris Betts

Kris Betts is a traveller. Coming to Rochester, NY by way of Austin, Kris dove into her job on 13 WHAM and endearing the community to her personality and professionalism. Now, she is moving on from broadcast news to rediscover her professional identity. In this episode, we have a fun and lively conversation about her life in front of the camera and where she goes from here. Join me and Blather with Emmy Award winner, Kris Betts.

The Golden Rule with Kellie Wright

What is the Golden Rule? She who has the gold makes the rules? I like to think the Golden Rule is kindness and thoughtfulness. Kellie Wright has built a business on the idea of kindness and giving. Blather with us and learn how she went from being disillusioned in Corporate America to helping corporations in America.

This Just In! A Conversation with WROC News 8 Anchor Mark Gruba

Mark Gruba is a respected face in the Rochester, NY community. He has been doing the morning show on WROC News 8 for many years. He started out in sports and never even considered the path that led him here. His a family man, trustworthy journalist and enjoys a good joke. I always enjoy speaking with Mark and this time he was my captive for 40 minutes. Come Blather with us.

Framing Your Happiness, with Allison Nichols

Framing Your Happiness, with Allison Nichols - I had the pleasure of Blathering with a kindred spirit. Allison Nichols is the owner and resident artist at Creativ Framing & Design at the fabulous Made on State complex in the High Falls District of Rochester, NY. She has been able to Frame her own happiness by following her artistic soul into business for herself. This Blathering touches on many themes but the one that really touched me was accountability of self. She can be found at CreativFr...

Once Shattered: with Linda and Jack Mazur

Jack and Linda Mazur have become my surrogate family. We first met when they were at the studio recording their audiobook, available on Audible: https://adbl.co/3ia1o15, about losing their daughter Emilee, to Anorexia. As I learned more about their story and about their family, I was drawn to their energy and their purpose. Join me as I spend some time discussing their journey and their desire to help others understand and deal with Anorexia and mental illness. To learn more about the Ma...

The People's Barista with Lee Drake

In my constant search for interesting people to Blather with, some friends of mine told me about this guy Lee Drake. They said he was a super guy and had a lot of cool things to talk about. So I invited him over and we had a great conversation about Coffee, Food, games and being a cool boss. Pour a hot cup of Ethiopian and join me as I Blather with Lee Drake!

Memes, Movies, and Momentum with Melodie Roehrig

As a filmmaker, I am blessed with the opportunity to work with talented and artistic people. I first met Melodie Roehrig in 2016 when she auditioned for Bottom Feeders. Now, 5 years later, the film is done and we sat done to Blather about acting, anxiety, depression and never giving up.

The Jugglers' Metaphor with Ted Baumhauer

Early on in the Pademic, in 2020, I was scrolling through my Facebook feed and I saw a guy juggling and doing tricks. I saw him again and again until I was looking forward to his videos. The videos were fun and interesting and they made me forget that I was not allowed to have customers in my relatively new (2 years old) business. That guy was Ted Baumhauer and I finally got around to asking him to Blather with me for a bit. He is a juggler and lives the Jugglers' Metaphor. Find out for yours...

What a Ride! with David "Wheels" Maxwell

I first saw this young man doing thr Brother Wease show on Radio 95.1 (iHeart Media) and thought he was a guest who had been in the news recently. Then I saw him again and again. So many posts about this "Wheels" guy, all with smiles and great things to say. I figured it was time to Blather with Wheels and I am glad I did, because he is as inpsiring as he is cool. Blather with us....

Born to Thrive with Scott Berne

Episode 87: Scott Berne has told his story on radio and television. He wrote it all down in a book you can purchase just about anywhere. He works tirelessly to make sure that others will not have to experience what he endured. This is a Blathering that really took me some time to process, simply because of everything Scott had to go through. From being a real estate investor to his involvement with the National Center for Missing and Exploted Children, Scott Berne was clearly born to thrive.

The Argument Against the Status Quo

This week I had the pleasure of Blathering with Kathryn F. Burmeister LLC - who has coined a phrase that I absolutely love, “Overcoming Addiction to the Status Quo,”. That's the title of her book which can be found on her website: https://kathrynfburmeister.com/ This is a wonderful exploration into her journey growing up in the south and elbowing her way into the boy's club that is the Law. She runs her own legal practice and speaks to groups all over the United States. She is also an animal...

The Connector with Kevyn Rustici

"The Connector" Episode 85 of The Blathering has a unique backstory. This guy came out of nowhere on LinkedIn and started trying to help me to connect with people who he thought could benefit from my expertise. I thought he was going then invoice me for his services. Nope - he just loves to connect people. I think you will connect with him because he is super relatable and professional. Join me as I Blather with Kevyn Rustici: https://www.linkedin.com/in/krustici/

The Art of Rebirth, with Renee Schuls-Jacobson

Her art is signed Ras, her friends call her Nay, but I call her amazing. Listen to this story about how Renee Schuls-Jacobson went from suicidal to selling her art. She is a writer (her memoirs are about to be released), she is a teacher and she sings and dances too! There is not a dull moment in her presence and I am sure you will enjoy this story of resilience and rebirth. You can find her artwork at https://www.rasjacobson.store/

The Double Show

Fitz and Paul Guglielmo, owner of Guglielmo's Sauce got together for a double podcast, the merging of the Pauly Guglielmo Show and Positive Blatherings to talk about following dreams, terrible jobs, cringe moments and radio. It's a fun and funny episode.

A Passion for Crime with Stephanie Harlowe

Stephanie Harlowe has a very popular True Crime Channel on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClVF8RcTN3UqAognWFGlJcg) and is also the Co-Host of the Crime Weekly Podcast (CrimeWeeklyPodcast.com). Today we chat about how she took her passion for storytelling and her fascination with murder mysteries and created a career. Come blather with us.

One Percent Closer, with Justen Arnold

Justen Arnold is the owner of Flexx Mobility and Performance (FlexxMP.com) and he is also a nutrition expert and a motivational coach. He really gets complete joy from helping others to achieve their goals. Blather and laugh with us as we talk about 'purpose through pain' and the "Four F's" in life: Faith, Family, Finances and Fitness.

Divergent Thinking with Jona A. Wright, Ed. D.

I wanted to know what Divergent thinking was and how it applies to an overall positive outlook. I did a virtual meet with Jona A. Wright, Ed. D. after a year of playing LinkedIn tag. Join us!

Sean Bengry

Talented at Acquiring Talent with Amanda Falzone

I've always been intrigued by those who make a career out of helping others. I first saw Amanda Falzone in a post about her company You're Hired Rochester. She helps people of all backgrounds and professions improve their working lives. In this episode I get schooled on what's the correct way to write a resume and also learn that sometimes you find your calling in life by accident. I learned about comedians I have never heard of. Come blather with us.

Traveling Storyteller, with Matt Ginella

Matt Ginella tells stories. You may recognize him from the Golf Channel or perhaps his "Where's MattyG" column in Golf Digest Magazine. Now, he is the Executive Producer of Dawn Patrol Productions and working on some amazing projects. Matty G and I met when I was hired to shoot the video versions of the "Golf Digest Ambush". Matt has an honest and human approach to storytelling and I'm proud to bring his story to the Blathering. you can find Matt's podcast here:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/p...

Resilience Personified, with Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that afflicts millions of people worldwide. Today's guest has taken her situation in life and made it work for her. Marisa Zeppieri-Caruana was a sickly girl in South Florida who became the auto-immune warrior of Western New York. Learn about how she started LupusChick.com and took her "little blog" to an inspiring social movement.

Reinvention, with Hannah Costello

I first met Hannah Costello when she was working as a bank teller in my bank. She looked like such an interesting free spirit that I wanted to learn more about her. I was hoping she was an actress because as a filmmaker, I am always on the lookout for interesting new talent. Nothing happened with my first encounter with Hannah, but fate would have us both working for the same clients and so this was my chance to Blather with Hannah. She really has perfected reinvention and I was intrigued by ...

Finding Your "Dash" with Jesse Cruz

I always enjoy speaking with authors to get a peak into their process. Jesse Cruz was a self-proclaimed "non-creative" who was transformed by a personal tragedy and now devotes his life to helping others find the bliss in theirs. Join me for a Blather with Jesse Cruz!

Out and About without Going Out - With Deb Ross

Are you terrified of home schooling? It's not as tough as you might think and Deb Ross from KidsOutAndAbout.com has some advice to help make it easy and fun!

My Eureka Moment! An Impromptu Blather

I wrote about this on my blog, which you can read, here: http://rocvox.com/positive-blatherings-my-eureka-moment/ But in a nutshell: My life is way better than I realized....but I realized it this morning, hence the EUREKA!

FROM THE VAULT: A SLICE of Inspiration with Brianna McInerny

Another episode FROM THE VAULT! (Should have been posted last year) Brianna McInerny is the kind of person who makes lemons into a lemon meringue pie! She is the founder of SLICE inspiration and counseling and her job is to inspire people - but so much more. Let's discuss her journey about Inspiration and Positivity.

From the Vault: Forever Forward with Keith Greer, L.C.S.W., P.C.C

(FROM THE VAULT: This episode should have been posted months ago.)Throughout our lives there are people who make a difference in the direction we take. A parent, an aunt or uncle, a coach. Keith Greer reminds me of someone I know but I couldn't quite place who until I realized he's likely the combination of many people who made a difference in my life. I was so honored to sit down and discuss his journey and how he has devoted his life to helping others in many areas. As I approach my first y...

Owning your Own Movie Making Business with Alex Ferrari

He's made so much out of nothing - when people said it couldn't be done, he did it. Alex Ferrari, CEO of Indie Film Hustle is out with a new book, 'Rise of the Filmtrepreneur' and it is the filmmaking hack every indie filmmaker should get, ASAP.

Casting a Life with Billy Powell

Billy Powell went from being a struggling vocalist to owning a successful talent agency in Rochester, NY. Listen to how he got his start, his ability to recognize the trends and evolve, and his advice for talent. We also discuss how there is a ghost in the studio - which might explain why there is a technical difficulty with my microphone that only came out in the recording.

The Picture of Success with Ed Monahan

Edward Monahan is the kind of guy you learn nuggets of truth from at every turn. A successful career at Kodak which ended abruptly, lead to a successful consulting business for Ed and he has taken everything in stride. HIs positive outlook and application of those principles are a picture of how to approach the gentle balance of career and family life.

Crowdsourcing Positivity with Kelsea Little

Kelsea Little took a chance on a job with a little startup in San Diego named GoFundMe - next thing she knows she is writing her own job description and traveling the country interviewing people for her podcast, True Stories of Good People. I was fortunate enough to sit and chat with Kelsea about her journey.

The Laugh Heard 'Round the World with Dresden Engle

She's a PR professional in Rochester...she's a performer...she is the leader of a Merry Band of Millennials. She is Dresden Engle and she joins Fitz to discuss creativity, positivity and life.

Six Months of Sobriety and One Year of Blathering

January 30, 2019 I quit drinking alcohol and my life has been absolutely amazing since. I didn't think I could do it but in this episode I do a quick reflection - talk about a drinking dream and also tease my 1 year anniversary of the Blathering.

A Doctor of Philosophy in Compassion - with Daphne Pariser

She started her own non profit organization that helps build schools and clinics in Kenya. She is a Phd student studying Immunology and she hasn't even reached the milestone of 30! Have a conversation with Daphne Pariser and discover how she became such a doer and positive force in our world.

The Scientific Method for Life - with Hillary Olson

Hillary Olson is the new President and CEO of the Rochester Museum and Science Center and she brings with her so much energy and positivity, I just had to share it with as many people as I could. Listen as she talks about her love for all things science and how her passion for learning became a career.