FLX Flow

S2 Ep5 - Rusty Keeler - Builder of Natural Playscapes

In this episode we met with Ithaca resident Rusty Keeler who holds a strong belief that children need the freedom to play and be inspired through the wonder of nature. He focused this belief and the energy behind it into a career spanning 30 years in which he has designed natural outdoor play environments filled with hills, pathways, gardens, sculpture, sand, and plenty of mud. He has written three books on play and playscapes, is the host of the Play Nature podcast, holds professional development workshops and gives keynote talks regarding his work, the need for playing in nature, and the benefits of taking risks.
Rusty's official website https://rustykeeler.com/
Play Nature Podcast https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/play-nature-podcast/id1789398335

S2 Ep4 - Chris Knickerbocker - Found Object Artist

In this episode we met with Owego based artist Chris Knickerbocker who breathes new life and form into found objects at her studio, aptly named, Old Souls Home. Chris’ art can be found in a number of galleries and shows throughout the Finger Lakes region and she conducts workshops in which she offers guidance for turning everyday objects into decor. She was also selected as a guest on the reality tv show, American Pickers, which prominently featured her home and the art work within.
You can find out more about Chris and Old Souls Home by visiting her website here. 
https://oldsoulshome.net/
 

S2 Ep3 - Jane George - Stay Wild Rescue

In this episode we met with Jane George who, in addition to being a dedicated high school teacher, is also a founder and director of the Stay Wild Rescue animal rehabilitation center located here in Trumansburg NY. Together, she and her husband Dan Soboleski, both certified NYS Wildlife rehabilitators, work tirelessly with the help of volunteers, to rehab and return injured wildlife back to their natural habitat, and to find forever homes for the many cats and dogs that they care for, both on their property, as well as through local foster homes. 
https://www.staywildrescue.com/

S2 Ep2 - Jay Seaman - Metal and Wood Sculptor

In this episode we met with long time Finger Lakes resident Jay Seaman to talk about his lived experiences as a metal and wood sculptor, what drew him to this work, how the craft has changed his life, and the many locations you may experience his art throughout the Finger Lakes region.
More info on Jay's works can be found here on his official website. 
https://www.jamesseaman.com/

S2 Ep1 - Brie Woods & Becca Maffei - "Be Like Belva"

In this episode we met with Brie Woods and Becca Maffei of Owego NY. Brie is the inn keeper and caretaker of the Belva Lockwood Inn and Becca serves as the Director of Tioga County Tourism. During our conversation we learned about Belva Lockwood's many accomplishments and her incredible contributions to both NYS and US history. We also delved into the profoundly warm and charming nature of the town of Owego and the many unique aspects of the surrounding locations in Tioga county. 
The Belva Lockwood Inn 
https://www.belvalockwoodinn.com/
 
Tioga County Info
https://experiencetioga.com/
 

Ep11 - Season One Wrap Up

A short end of season wrap up expressing gratitude to all guests and listeners of season one and some information regarding current plans for season two of the show. 

Ep10 - Eric Manzler - Maintaining Equanimity through Sobriety, Music, and Buddhist Practice

In this episode I reconnected with my dear old friend and Rochester area resident, Eric Manzler,  a long time musician in the Finger Lakes Region.
We took some time to chat about how his approach to writing and performing has changed over the years and what that looks like for both of us now that we’re in our 50’s.
He also reflected on how living with Multiple Sclerosis and Spinal Stenosis has impacted his life, the techniques he’s learned for maintaining equanimity while facing these challenges, and how sobriety and buddhism have been key in maintaining balance.
Jamric music samples and video
 

Ep9 - Bart Gragg - Founder of Blue Collar University

In this episode I met with Town of Ulysses resident, Bart Gragg, founder of Blue Collar University and the author of “They’re Manager’s, Now What?" We discussed his personal experiences in the work force, what led him to establish Blue Collar U, and how that has shaped his approach and methods for creating safer work place conditions. Through podcasts, speaking engagements, and on site assessments, Bart strives to help improve employee relations and to skillfully empower workers to effectively step into managerial roles to create a workplace culture of positivity, trust, and credibility.
https://bluecollaru.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@bluecollaruniversity
 

Ep8 - Colleen Dunn - Discovering a Passion Later in Life

In this episode I met with Trumansburg local, Colleen Dunn, who took up acting and fell in love with theater performance later in life. We had a delightful conversation in which she reveals what brought her to acting, how she prepares for roles, and the challenges that she faces each time she goes on stage. Colleen is a truly inspirational presence and I hope that you take away some of that energy as you listen to this episode.

Ep7 - Mikel "Mama" George - Area Records & Music Revisited

In this episode I had the great fortune to meet with Mikel “Mama” George, who owned and operated Area Records & Music in Geneva NY for 40 years before his well deserved retirement in 2017. I was thrilled that Mama was able to meet with me to discuss the history of the store, to catch up on what he’s been doing in his retirement, and to allow this episode to serve as a bit of a nostalgia piece for one of the most iconic music stores in the history of the Finger Lakes region.