UpFront
38 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 months ago - ★★★★★ - 4 ratingsUpFront is a monthly podcast that features top performers in their field and how they are making a positive impact in their industry and community.
Hosted by Derek Beere from Mason, the show takes a deep dive into how our guests achieved success and more insights into the person.
www.mason23.com
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Episodes
24. Dennis House (WTNH News 8)
August 28, 2023 19:24 - 53 minutes - 42.6 MBDennis House is an Emmy Award-winning broadcast journalist and is celebrated as one of Connecticut's most influential figures. One of his first big breaks was breaking the rules to get an interview with President Ronald Reagan. For the last 30 years he's brought a local perspective to some of the biggest news stories and has appeared nationally in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Politico, MSNBC and many others. Today, Dennis anchors the nightly newscasts at WTNH News 8. We talk abo...
23. Carl Zuanelli (Nuovo Pasta)
June 15, 2023 00:05 - 1 hour - 60.4 MBCarl Zuanelli is the CEO of Nuovo Pasta. On this episode he shares his incredible story of working in banking and later leaving to start Nuovo Pasta. He walked into a local restaurant and asked the owner to teach him how to make pasta. Carl is the founder and CEO of Nuovo Pasta, the president of the International Pasta Association and the past chair of the National Pasta Association. Carl says it takes a leap of faith to start a company. We talk about this and his love of doodling, how to ...
22. Suzanne McKenzie (Able Made)
May 05, 2023 02:54 - 1 hour - 139 MBSuzanne McKenzie is the founder and chief creative officer of Able Made, the Original Off Pitch Soccer Style brand that combines soccer-inspired apparel and accessories with responsible manufacturing and giving back. Suzanne has a great love and appreciation for design that dates back to her early childhood. She’s worked in the advertising and design consultancy world for numerous global brands and then a life changing event led her to start Able Made. We talk about what it takes to start a...
21. Michelle Ciulla Lipkin (National Association for Media Literacy Education)
March 30, 2023 01:29 - 1 hour - 57.9 MBMichelle Ciulla Lipkin is the Executive Director of the National Association for Media Literacy Education (NAMLE). Michelle has helped NAMLE grow to be the preeminent media literacy education association in the U.S. Other accomplishments include launching the first ever Media Literacy Week in the country, forging strategic partnerships with Thomson Reuters, Meta, YouTube, and Nickelodeon to name a few. She has spoken at countless conferences and in the media regarding the importance of medi...
20. Ann Nyberg (WTNH News 8)
February 22, 2023 18:23 - 1 hour - 59.3 MBWhere do we begin? For starters, Ann Nyberg has spent more than 40 years in television news. She’s the longest-serving female news anchor/reporter in Connecticut television history. You’ve probably seen her on WTNH News 8 for the 5, 6, 10 or 11 o’clock nightly newscasts. Or, maybe you’ve caught her own show called “NYBERG” where she interviews all sorts of interesting guests. Ann’s list of accomplishments is impressive. In 2015 she was inducted into the Silver Circle, an honor given to tele...
19. UpFront Season Two Wrap-Up
January 23, 2023 18:33 - 44 minutes - 35.9 MBThat's a wrap! The second season of UpFront featured inspiring conversations from some of Connecticut's top business and community leaders who are doing amazing things. This episode highlights some of our favorite segments of advice on leadership, failure, daily routines and more. Kick back and enjoy this UpFront wrap-up with Scot Haney (WFSB), Chef Tyler Anderson, Jill Meyer (Bead Industries), Claire Criscuolo (Claire's Corner Copia), Matthew Berry (NBC Sports), Alexander Williams (Blue Ear...
18. Jeff Brooks (Giv Coffee)
November 30, 2022 19:25 - 1 hour - 166 MBEpisode 18. Jeff Brooks (Giv Coffee) Jeff Brooks is the co-founder of Giv Coffee along with his wife Emily. After visiting friends in Kentucky who owned a coffee company with a philanthropic purpose, they were inspired that a great cup coffee could be tied to a bigger cause and giving back. Jeff, a coffee connoisseur himself, started roasting his own beans and in the fall of 2011 Giv Coffee was born. We talk about what it’s like to run a growing coffee company, traveling the world to sour...
17. Jeff Brooks (Giv Coffee)
November 30, 2022 19:25 - 1 hour - 166 MBEpisode 18. Jeff Brooks (Giv Coffee) Jeff Brooks is the co-founder of Giv Coffee along with his wife Emily. After visiting friends in Kentucky who owned a coffee company with a philanthropic purpose, they were inspired that a great cup coffee could be tied to a bigger cause and giving back. Jeff, a coffee connoisseur himself, started roasting his own beans and in the fall of 2011 Giv Coffee was born. We talk about what it’s like to run a growing coffee company, traveling the world to sour...
17. Michael Field (Mason)
October 07, 2022 16:08 - 1 hour - 138 MBMichael Field is Vice President and Executive Creative Director here at Mason. We’ve been talking about doing this special episode for quite some time to introduce him to our audience and to get to know him a little better. Prior to joining Mason, Michael held creative positions at agencies such as Ogilvy Health, Atmosphere BBDO, and others throughout the country. He’s also a big soccer fan, with a deep passion for the sport. What does a creative director do? Why is good not good enough a...
16. Michael Field (Mason)
October 07, 2022 16:08 - 1 hour - 138 MBMichael Field is Vice President and Executive Creative Director here at Mason. We’ve been talking about doing this special episode for quite some time to introduce him to our audience and to get to know him a little better. Prior to joining Mason, Michael held creative positions at agencies such as Ogilvy Health, Atmosphere BBDO, and others throughout the country. He’s also a big soccer fan, with a deep passion for the sport. What does a creative director do? Why is good not good enough a...
16. Alexander Williams (Blue Earth Compost)
August 19, 2022 17:59 - 1 hour - 158 MBLet’s talk trash on this episode. No, really. And why you should think more about your garbage. When it comes to throwing our food away, and I don’t mean to offend anyone here, but most of us just toss it in the garbage. Or maybe we put it in the sink disposal and grind it up. But throwing it away is bad. Why? Well, we’re about to find out… Alexander Williams is the owner & the director of operations at Blue Earth Compost. After purchasing the fledgling business in April 2014, Alex has grow...
15. Matthew Berry
July 20, 2022 20:13 - 56 minutes - 130 MB“Is this the real life? Is this just fantasy?” - Queen If you play fantasy sports, then you know who Matthew Berry is. He’s an expert on the subject and helped popularize it from being a backroom secret to a pop culture phenomenon. And if you follow him, then you are probably aware that he has left ESPN. It’s important to note that this episode was recorded before his ESPN departure and you may hear some references to things that seem out of time or place. Matthew’s story is inspiring. It...
14. Claire Criscuolo (Claire's Corner Copia)
June 14, 2022 21:16 - 1 hour - 176 MBClaire LaPia and Frank Criscuolo were married on February 22, 1975. Claire was a registered nurse and Frank was a musician who played bass and lead guitar. The two were madly in love and wanted to spend as much time as possible together. The solution? Start a business and work together! Claire loved to cook and was raised in a traditional Italian-American family. Her mother was obsessed with eating delicious, fresh, homemade food. Her mother’s mantras were “eat this, it’s good for you” and ...
13. Jill Mayer (Bead Industries)
May 15, 2022 23:29 - 1 hour - 167 MBUpFront with Jill Mayer Bead Industries Chances are you probably have never heard of Bead Industries, i didn’t… but I can guarantee that you know two of the many products they’ve made. The first is the beaded-light pull chain that you use to turn a light on and off. The second are the dog tag chains for the US Military that they manufactured during World War Two. Founded in 1914, Bead Industries is comprised of two divisions - Bead Chain and Bead Electronics, and a wholly-owned subsidiary...
12. Chef Tyler Anderson (Tanda Hospitality)
April 12, 2022 02:22 - 55 minutes - 127 MBUpFront with Chef Tyler Anderson Tanda Hospitality If you go to his website, you’re greeted by a big, jovial smile and a simple, inspiring message we should all adhere to - work hard, be nice, eat well. Chef Tyler Anderson was born and raised in Southern California where he started his career in the professional kitchen. In fact, it really started when he was a child selling snow cones on the street he lived on. Today, that entrepreneurial spirit lives on and his passion for the craft and ...
Upfront with Scot Haney (WFSB Channel 3)
March 11, 2022 02:34 - 58 minutes - 135 MBUpFront with Scot Haney WFSB Channel 3 There’s no question about it - he is one of the most well known media personalities in Connecticut. His warm personality, sense of humor and dynamic character are a part of the Channel 3 weather team and Great Day Connecticut in the afternoons. We’re thrilled to have Scot Haney from WFSB on the show! Scot started his broadcast career in mid 1990’s, but landed at Channel 3 in November 1998 and hasn't looked back since. He earned his bachelor's degree f...
11. Scot Haney (WFSB Channel 3)
March 11, 2022 02:34 - 58 minutes - 135 MBUpFront with Scot Haney WFSB Channel 3 There’s no question about it - he is one of the most well known media personalities in Connecticut. His warm personality, sense of humor and dynamic character are a part of the Channel 3 weather team and Great Day Connecticut in the afternoons. We’re thrilled to have Scot Haney from WFSB on the show! Scot started his broadcast career in mid 1990’s, but landed at Channel 3 in November 1998 and hasn't looked back since. He earned his bachelor's degree f...
10. UpFront Season Episode One Wrap-Up
December 14, 2021 23:02 - 47 minutes - 109 MBWe hope you have enjoyed the first season of UpFront! The idea of this show is simple. It's about featuring the personal stories of Connecticut's top business and community leaders who are doing great things. We want to know more about their daily habits, choices and decisions that have led them to where they are now. Each guest has an amazing story to tell and they also share some solid business advice that we can apply in our own lives. This wrap-up episode features the guests from our f...
Upfront: Season Episode One Wrap-Up
December 14, 2021 23:02 - 47 minutes - 109 MBWe hope you have enjoyed the first season of UpFront! The idea of this show is simple. It's about featuring the personal stories of Connecticut's top business and community leaders who are doing great things. We want to know more about their daily habits, choices and decisions that have led them to where they are now. Each guest has an amazing story to tell and they also share some solid business advice that we can apply in our own lives. This wrap-up episode features the guests from our f...
UpFront with Jennifer Rizzotti
November 10, 2021 23:29 - 59 minutes - 137 MBUpFront with Jennifer Rizzotti President, Connecticut Sun Mention the University of Connecticut or UConn and the first thing most people think of is basketball. UConn basketball – championship after championship, legendary players and legendary coaches. The school has a proud tradition of winning basketball championships and Connecticut is passionate about it. It’s almost like a fairytale, except this is very real. Playing a starting role in the story of UConn women’s basketball is Jennif...
09. Jennifer Rizzotti (Connecticut Sun)
November 10, 2021 23:29 - 59 minutes - 137 MBUpFront with Jennifer Rizzotti President, Connecticut Sun Mention the University of Connecticut or UConn and the first thing most people think of is basketball. UConn basketball – championship after championship, legendary players and legendary coaches. The school has a proud tradition of winning basketball championships and Connecticut is passionate about it. It’s almost like a fairytale, except this is very real. Playing a starting role in the story of UConn women’s basketball is Jennif...
08. Jim Koplik (Live Nation)
October 14, 2021 13:38 - 1 hour - 152 MBUpFront with Jim Koplik President, Connecticut and Upstate New York Region Live Nation The power of music. It brings people together and makes us feel happy. It can make us feel sad and it has the ability to heal. More importantly, music brings people together and adds some joy into our lives. It’s something we can all relate to. Jim Koplik is the president of Connecticut and the Upstate New York Region for Live Nation. A legendary concert promoter, Jim is responsible for thousands of sho...
UpFront with Jim Koplik (Live Nation)
October 14, 2021 13:38 - 1 hour - 152 MBUpFront with Jim Koplik President, Connecticut and Upstate New York Region Live Nation The power of music. It brings people together and makes us feel happy. It can make us feel sad and it has the ability to heal. More importantly, music brings people together and adds some joy into our lives. It’s something we can all relate to. Jim Koplik is the president of Connecticut and the Upstate New York Region for Live Nation. A legendary concert promoter, Jim is responsible for thousands of sho...
UpFront with Reverend Dr. Leroy Perry (St. Stephens AME Zion Church)
September 15, 2021 13:16 - 1 hour - 154 MBUpFront with Reverend, Dr. Leroy Perry St. Stephens AME Zion Church (Branford) Cultural Ambassador, Yale Center for Clinical Investigation A life changing experience set Reverend Dr. Leroy Perry on his path in life. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, he earned his BA from Livingstone College, his MDiv from Yale Divinity, STM and doctoral degree from New York Theological Seminary in New York City. Having pastored in Harlem and his home church, Mt. Olive AME Zion, he presently serves as senio...
07. Reverend Dr. Leroy Perry (St. Stephens AME Zion Church)
September 15, 2021 13:16 - 1 hour - 154 MBUpFront with Reverend, Dr. Leroy Perry St. Stephens AME Zion Church (Branford) Cultural Ambassador, Yale Center for Clinical Investigation A life changing experience set Reverend Dr. Leroy Perry on his path in life. Originally from Roanoke, Virginia, he earned his BA from Livingstone College, his MDiv from Yale Divinity, STM and doctoral degree from New York Theological Seminary in New York City. Having pastored in Harlem and his home church, Mt. Olive AME Zion, he presently serves as senio...
UpFront with Eric Hummel (Hummel Brothers)
August 05, 2021 04:09 - 1 hour - 151 MBUpFront with Eric Hummel 3rd Generation Owner, Hummel Brothers There's nothing more American than a good old fashioned hot dog! We love them. Especially Hummel Bros. hot dogs. The Hummel Bros. story begins in 1933 when German immigrants William and Robert Hummel scraped together $1,000 to purchase a bankrupt sausage kitchen. They both were "wurstmachers" - sausage makers - back in Germany, so they knew a thing or two about making quality products. Fast forward to today and Hummel Bros. is ...
06. Eric Hummel (Hummel Brothers)
August 05, 2021 04:09 - 1 hour - 151 MBUpFront with Eric Hummel 3rd Generation Owner, Hummel Brothers There's nothing more American than a good old fashioned hot dog! We love them. Especially Hummel Bros. hot dogs. The Hummel Bros. story begins in 1933 when German immigrants William and Robert Hummel scraped together $1,000 to purchase a bankrupt sausage kitchen. They both were "wurstmachers" - sausage makers - back in Germany, so they knew a thing or two about making quality products. Fast forward to today and Hummel Bros. is ...
05. John Lyman (Lyman Orchards)
July 08, 2021 17:21 - 1 hour - 163 MBUpFront with John Lyman Executive Vice President, Lyman Orchards If you’re from Connecticut, you’ve probably heard of Lyman Orchards. They’re famous for their apple pies, but if you make your way to Middlefield, you’ll be amazed at the sprawling property that is more than 1,100 acres of scenic farmland. And it’s much more than their delicious pies. There’s the Apple Barrel farm market, three world-class golf courses, pick your own in the orchards, the 1741 Pub and Grill and much more. Found...
UpFront with John Lyman (Lyman Orchards)
July 08, 2021 17:21 - 1 hour - 163 MBUpFront with John Lyman Executive Vice President, Lyman Orchards If you’re from Connecticut, you’ve probably heard of Lyman Orchards. They’re famous for their apple pies, but if you make your way to Middlefield, you’ll be amazed at the sprawling property that is more than 1,100 acres of scenic farmland. And it’s much more than their delicious pies. There’s the Apple Barrel farm market, three world-class golf courses, pick your own in the orchards, the 1741 Pub and Grill and much more. Found...
04. Nathan Grube (Travelers Championship)
June 01, 2021 21:20 - 1 hour - 158 MBUpFront with Nathan Grube Tournament Director, Travelers Championship If you love golf, then chances are you probably know the Travelers Championship. The tournament attracts an incredible player field with some of the biggest names in the game and it gives back millions to charitable causes throughout Connecticut. There's the on course action with the best players in the world. And then there's the off course fun in the fan zone with all kinds of activities for families and kids. So what d...
UpFront with Nathan Grube (Travelers Championship)
June 01, 2021 21:20 - 1 hour - 158 MBUpFront with Nathan Grube Tournament Director, Travelers Championship If you love golf, then chances are you probably know the Travelers Championship. The tournament attracts an incredible player field with some of the biggest names in the game and it gives back millions to charitable causes throughout Connecticut. There's the on course action with the best players in the world. And then there's the off course fun in the fan zone with all kinds of activities for families and kids. So what d...
03. Cindi Bigelow (Bigelow Tea)
May 04, 2021 13:44 - 1 hour - 147 MBUpFront with Cindi Bigelow President and CEO, Bigelow Tea If you enjoy tea, then chances are you know the Bigelow Tea name. Cindi Bigelow is the third-generation president and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea, the U.S. market leader of specialty teas that produces more than 2 billion tea bags annually. On this episode Cindi shares her childhood memories of tea tasting in the family kitchen, her ambition to one day run the company and memories of her grandmother Ruth Bigelow who founded the bu...
UpFront with Cindi Bigelow (Bigelow Tea)
May 04, 2021 13:44 - 1 hour - 147 MBUpFront with Cindi Bigelow President and CEO, Bigelow Tea If you enjoy tea, then chances are you know the Bigelow Tea name. Cindi Bigelow is the third-generation president and CEO of family-owned Bigelow Tea, the U.S. market leader of specialty teas that produces more than 2 billion tea bags annually. On this episode Cindi shares her childhood memories of tea tasting in the family kitchen, her ambition to one day run the company and memories of her grandmother Ruth Bigelow who founded the bu...
02. Richard Rosenthal (Max Restaurant Group)
April 06, 2021 16:13 - 1 hour - 161 MBUpFront with Richard Rosenthal President and Founder, Max Restaurant Group The name Max is synonymous with restaurant excellence in Connecticut. The food, service and overall experience is exceptional and it's what keeps people coming back time and time again. From his first restaurant job at McDonald's to getting an education in the kitchens of Connecticut, New York City and Newport, Richard opened his first restaurant "Max on Main" in 1986 in Hartford, Connecticut and hasn't looked back...
UpFront with Richard Rosenthal (Max Restaurant Group)
April 06, 2021 16:13 - 1 hour - 161 MBUpFront with Richard Rosenthal President and Founder, Max Restaurant Group The name Max is synonymous with restaurant excellence in Connecticut. The food, service and overall experience is exceptional and it's what keeps people coming back time and time again. From his first restaurant job at McDonald's to getting an education in the kitchens of Connecticut, New York City and Newport, Richard opened his first restaurant "Max on Main" in 1986 in Hartford, Connecticut and hasn't looked back...
01. Jason Jakubowski (Foodshare, Connecticut Food Bank)
March 04, 2021 17:40 - 48 minutes - 112 MBUpFront with Jason Jakubowski CEO, Foodshare/Connecticut Food Bank From his childhood aspirations of wanting to become a lawyer to now running the largest food bank in Connecticut, Jason shares his story of growing up in New Britain, lessons he's learned from baseball and what makes a great leader. Above all else, we talk about the important work and challenges of solving hunger in Connecticut. UpFront is a monthly podcast that features Connecticut-based top performers in their respective ...
UpFront with Jason Jakubowski (Foodshare, Connecticut Food Bank)
March 04, 2021 17:40 - 48 minutes - 112 MBUpFront with Jason Jakubowski CEO, Foodshare/Connecticut Food Bank From his childhood aspirations of wanting to become a lawyer to now running the largest food bank in Connecticut, Jason shares his story of growing up in New Britain, lessons he's learned from baseball and what makes a great leader. Above all else, we talk about the important work and challenges of solving hunger in Connecticut. UpFront is a monthly podcast that features Connecticut-based top performers in their respective ...
01. Jason Jakubowski (Connecticut Foodshare)
March 04, 2021 17:40 - 48 minutes - 112 MBUpFront with Jason Jakubowski CEO, Connecticut Foodshare From his childhood aspirations of wanting to become a lawyer to now running the largest food bank in Connecticut, Jason shares his story of growing up in New Britain, lessons he's learned from baseball and what makes a great leader. Above all else, we talk about the important work and challenges of solving hunger in Connecticut. UpFront is a monthly podcast that features Connecticut-based top performers in their respective field and ...