In this episode, we discuss the art of presidential speechwriting with Cody Keenan, who served 8 years in the Obama White House. Author of the New York Times bestselling book “Grace: President Obama and Ten Days in the Battle for America," Cody shares his insights on writing an effective speech, the challenges facing the Obama administration in the wake of the 2008 financial crisis, and the collaborative relationship with the president on some of his most notable addresses.

We also analyze speeches by then-Senator John F. Kennedy and then-Vice President Richard Nixon delivered during two back-to-back presidential campaign stops in Troy's iconic Monument Square on September 29 and 30, 1960.

Our earlier episode with former Rensselaer County Democratic Committee chairman Tom Wade reflecting on President Obama's visit to Troy is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and our official website.

Notes:

• https://codykeenan.com/
• https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/video/President-Obama-Speaks-to-Hudson-Valley-Community-College
• https://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/blog/2009/09/22/a-day-well-spent

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

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In 2016, the fate of Troy's firefighters union contract was saved by the last-minute arrival of former Troy councilmember Lynn Kopka, thanks to a little help from then-Troy Democratic Committee chairwoman Carole Weaver.

Notes:

• Spectrum News: Budget Battle Begins with Fire­fighter Contract https://spectrumlocalnews.com/news/2016/10/13/troy-budget-battle-begins-with-firefighter-union-contract-proposal
• Troy Record: Divided Troy Council Approves Firefighters Contract https://www.troyrecord.com/2016/11/04/divided-troy-council-approves-firefighters-contract/
• Troy Record: Troy Firefighters Union Ratifies Short-Term Contract https://www.troyrecord.com/2016/09/23/troy-firefighters-union-ratifies-short-term-contract/
• Troy Record: Between the Lines: Dysfunction Fractures GOP Council Majority https://www.troyrecord.com/2017/03/06/between-the-lines-dysfunction-fractures-gop-council-majority/

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

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We're thrilled to host Scott Womer, songwriter, musician, event producer and founder of Song City, a creative venture focused on the local songwriting community which kicks off their fourth season in the Collar City on September 9, 2025.

During the episode, we discuss Scott's life growing up in the Capital Region, working in Nashville in the Christian music industry in the 1990s and early 2000s (and a chance encounter with M.C. Hammer), his musical output as Fenton Hardy, and the story behind the creation of Song City to support the area's eclectic songwriting community.

Episode Notes:

• Song City
• Fenton Hardy - The Ghost EP (Spotify, Apple Music, Soundcloud)

Credits:

Produced, edited, and hosted by John Salka
Theme music by Steven J. Goldman, Four Legs Records

Visit troystorypod.com for upcoming episodes, guests, and bonus content.

Connect with Troy Story on:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Threads
• YouTube
• Bluesky