On this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Amy Just Nickels, Executive Director of Encore Youth Productions, to talk about the growth of youth theater in Central New York and the mission behind EYP.

Amy shares how Encore Youth Productions began in 2015 as a small summer program through the Landmark Theatre, eventually growing into a nonprofit organization serving kids ages 4 to 18 through musical theater, performance, creativity, and community.

The conversation dives into what kids gain from being part of a show beyond singing, dancing, and acting, including confidence, problem-solving, teamwork, social-emotional skills, and learning how to take ownership of their role onstage. Amy also talks about how EYP chooses its shows, the importance of creating an inclusive environment, the magic behind their costumes, and why every child’s role matters.

Amy also shares the exciting next chapter for Encore Youth Productions as they partner with Revolve Dance Alliance to build a new performing arts space in North Syracuse, creating more opportunities for kids, families, performers, and the local arts community.

Whether your child loves theater, you care about supporting the arts, or you just love hearing stories about people building something meaningful in Syracuse, this episode is full of heart, creativity, and community.

On this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with local TikTok creator Izzy Murphy, known online as @izzylmurphy21, to talk about content creation, community, and showing up online as your real self.

Izzy shares how she started making videos after losing her mom, using TikTok as a way to talk about grief, life after loss, self-care, and the importance of reminding people they are not alone. What began as a personal outlet has grown into a platform built around authenticity, local businesses, food reviews, events, and connecting with people across Central New York.

The conversation also gets into Taste of Syracuse, brand deals, building confidence on camera, dealing with hate comments, being recognized in public, meeting Dustin from Stranger Things, and why Izzy has learned to make room only for the people who truly show up for her.

It’s a heartfelt and funny conversation about grief, growth, community, and what it really means to share your life online.

On this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Jennifer Ashley, a Syracuse-based trauma therapist, yoga teacher, and owner of Jennifer Ashley Wellness.

Jennifer talks about her path into therapy, how her own life experiences shaped the work she does today, and why trauma therapy can apply to more people than they may realize. She breaks down the difference between PTSD, chronic trauma, nervous system work, EMDR, and somatic therapy in a way that feels approachable and easy to understand.

The conversation also gets into yoga, stress, parenting, generational trauma, men’s mental health, and the small daily practices that can help people feel more grounded, from breathing and movement to getting outside, finding quiet moments, and reconnecting with joy.

Whether you’re curious about therapy, working through your own healing journey, or just looking for a more honest conversation about mental health, this episode brings a thoughtful and real perspective to the table.

On this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Bill Pendock, legendary Syracuse University defensive lineman and member of the iconic “Four-Wheel Drive” defensive line.

Bill shares how he went from growing up in Liverpool to being recruited by more than 200 schools, choosing Syracuse over Penn State, and helping build one of the most memorable defensive lines in SU football history. He talks about the intensity of football in the 1980s, the packed Dome, the Syracuse/Penn State rivalry, and what it was like being recruited by names like Joe Paterno and Tom Coughlin.

The conversation also gets real about the physical toll of the sport, life after football, NIL, the changing culture of college athletics, and why the game today feels so different from the one he played.

From Syracuse football history to NFL stories, arm wrestling, old-school gyms, local legends, and a few unforgettable Central New York memories, Bill brings a lifetime of stories to the table in this episode of Crazy Real.

On this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Raisa Zhovklaya, franchise owner of Project Lean Nation Syracuse, to talk about her journey from immigrating to Syracuse as a baby from Ukraine, working as a nurse for 11 years, and eventually taking a leap into business ownership.

Raisa shares how her own health journey helped her break out of the cycle of fad diets and focus on consistency, habits, protein, muscle, and long-term lifestyle changes. She explains what Project Lean Nation offers, from high-protein meals and shakes to InBody scans, supplements, and personalized guidance for people with different health goals.

The conversation also gets into the real-life struggles of eating healthy, parenting picky eaters, school lunches, GLP-1 medications, building confidence, and why Raisa is so passionate about helping people feel better in their bodies.

Whether you’re trying to make healthier choices, support a local Syracuse business, or just love hearing the story behind the person behind the brand, this episode is full of heart, honesty, and plenty of Crazy Real conversation.

In this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa welcome back Bugge’s cousin, Mark Shattuck, for a laid-back, hilarious hangout episode built around some of their favorite comedy podcasts.

Jenn, Marissa, and Mark bring clips from shows like 2 Bears, 1 Cave, This Past Weekend with Theo Von, and Bad Friends, then react, laugh, and spiral into their own stories along the way. From Kool-Aid memories and childhood snacks to Bobby Lee, Theo Von, comedy podcasts, Nashville trips, and plenty of unfiltered side conversations, this episode is exactly what Crazy Real does best: real people, real laughs, and absolutely no chance of staying on topic.

It’s a fun, loose, and chaotic conversation about the podcasts that inspired Jenn, the comedy moments they can’t stop watching, and the kind of cousin banter that only happens when everyone is fully comfortable saying whatever comes to mind.

If you love comedy podcasts, random tangents, and laughing with people who feel like family, this episode is for you.

In this episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Syracuse artist 315CA$H, formerly known as Kash Montana, to talk about music, hustle, and what it means to truly rep the 315.

315CA$H shares how his love for hip-hop turned into more than a decade of writing, recording, networking, and building his name from the ground up. He talks about growing up in Syracuse, finding inspiration in the 2000s New York hip-hop era, creating four mixtapes, and preparing to release his debut album, Levels.

The conversation also dives into the Syracuse music scene, opening for artists like Dave East, Slick Rick, and Masta Killa, paying homage to Wu-Tang with his song “Wu-Tang Thing,” and the unforgettable moment he met 50 Cent during a week of shows and networking in New York City.

From hearing his song “Rep My City” played in the Dome to performing in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, 315CA$H opens up about staying consistent, doing the behind-the-scenes work himself, and why Syracuse will always be home.

It’s a fun, local-pride-filled conversation about hip-hop, opportunity, consistency, and chasing the dream without forgetting where you came from.

In this heartfelt episode of Crazy Real with Bugge & Zogg, Jenn and Marissa sit down with Heather Wood, founder of Stupendous Love, a brand and movement created to honor the life and legacy of her daughter, Ava Wood.

Heather opens up about who Ava was: bold, kind, quirky, compassionate, deeply connected to others, and completely herself. She shares how Ava’s impact continues to reach people far beyond Central New York, with stories, videos, and messages from people around the world who were touched by her life.

The conversation explores the meaning behind Stupendous Love, Heather’s mission to celebrate Ava’s spirit, and the mantra at the heart of it all: live boldly and love stupendously. Heather also talks about grief, community support, mental health, upcoming events, the Colorful Soles Color Run, and how something deeply tragic has grown into something beautiful, celebratory, and full of purpose.

This is a moving conversation about love, resilience, legacy, and finding light in the messy middle of life.