Following a dream usually starts with a feeling you can’t quite shake, and then a whole lot of persistence along the way. Singer, songwriter, and musician, Stella Crispo, has been following that pull through music for most of her life. From early lessons to performing on stages both near and far, Stella’s journey is a powerful example of resilience - staying true to your passion while pushing through challenges and continuing to grow.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores the powerful practice of choosing a single word to guide your year with intention, focus, and purpose, and Dr. Raunak Singh, a board-certified physician in sports medicine, family medicine, and osteopathic manipulative treatment at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses the importance of staying fit.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Suzanne Trauth is a talented novelist, playwright, and former theatre professor. She is the author of the Dodie O’Dell mystery series, the suspense novel The First to Die, and the award-winning historical romance What Remains of Love. Her plays have been performed across the country, sharing powerful stories of resilience and hope. In addition to writing, Suzanne coaches actors and mentors creative talent within our community. Suzanne shares her inspiring journey and reveals how her storytelling continues to resonate and make an impact both locally and beyond.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores the powerful practice of choosing a single word to guide your year with intention, focus, and purpose, and Dr. Raunak Singh, a board-certified physician in sports medicine, family medicine, and osteopathic manipulative treatment at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses the importance of staying fit.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Organ donation is one of the most powerful gifts a human being can offer. For thousands of people living with advanced kidney disease, that gift is not just meaningful … it’s essential. Behind every successful transplant is the compassion of a donor and the tireless advocacy of people who fight to give patients hope. Donna Tissot dedicates her life to supporting individuals whose kidney disease has progressed to the point where a transplant is their path forward. Her passion, persistence, and heart have made her a voice for those waiting, hoping, and fighting for another tomorrow.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, offers strategies to navigate the holidays.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

The media has always played a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, but over the past few decades, that role has changed dramatically. From the trusted voices of evening newscasts to the endless scroll of social media, the way we get our news — and who we trust to deliver it — has evolved beyond recognition. These changes have left many of us wondering about the cost of this constant flood of information. Tina Pappas brings a wealth of insight to that conversation. She is a veteran journalist with decades of experience across television, cable, and local news. Early in her career, she landed an internship with the legendary Bill Beutel and went on to work at ABC News before expanding into various cable networks in New York City. After relocating to northern New Jersey, Tina returned to her roots in local reporting, where she is most proud of covering the issues that truly matter to her community.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, offers strategies to navigate the holidays, and Dr. Madouna Hanna, chair of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the medical side of cosmetic enhancement.

This episode is sponsored by:

Advanced Foot Care of NJ

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

It’s never too late to chase a dream, rewrite your story, or start something entirely new. For many, the second act of life is where the real magic begins. Christine Hablitz is someone who’s living proof that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Christine has returned to school, serves as a councilwoman, organizes events that bring the Little Falls community together, and is constantly finding new ways to make a difference. She shares what it means to embrace change later in life, why community involvement matters, and how leaning into your next chapter can be the most fulfilling move you’ll ever make.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about the importance of gratitude, and Darien Eletto, chief clinical officer of Behavioral Health Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses why some depression doesn’t respond to standard treatment and what new options are offering hope.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Reading is more than just a fundamental skill, it's a gateway to opportunity, imagination, and lifelong learning. In a world increasingly shaped by digital media and fast-paced communication, the ability to read, understand, and critically engage with information is more important than ever. Linda Hoffman understands the transformative power of reading on a deeply personal and professional level. As the director of the Alfred Baumann Public Library, Linda has been a passionate advocate for literacy, learning, and community engagement. Under her leadership, the library has not only expanded its collection and programming but also deepened its impact as a vibrant, inclusive hub for readers of all ages.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about the importance of gratitude, and Darien Eletto, chief clinical officer of Behavioral Health Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses why some depression doesn’t respond to standard treatment and what new options are offering hope.

This episode is sponsored by:

Advanced Foot Care of NJ

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Grief has a way of changing the shape of everything — how we remember, how we move forward, and how we hold on to the people we’ve lost. It’s especially complex when the loss is sudden, or when someone’s life feels unfinished—when their talent, their light, their presence, seemed like it should have lasted so much longer. Charlene Neopolitan Thomas experienced the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Bob who was a gifted artist whose creative spirit touched everyone around him. Bob’s life was full of color, depth, and passion, but it was also marked by health challenges that ultimately took him far too soon. Charlene discusses what it’s like to walk alongside a sibling through illness, to carry the weight of watching someone you love struggle, and to face the pain of saying goodbye.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Loss has a way of reshaping everything—our sense of time, place, and even who we are. Grief is deeply personal, yet it connects us all. John Colie’s mother was a beloved guidance counselor and director of pupil personnel services at Passaic Valley High School. She dedicated her life to supporting students and helping them navigate their toughest moments. Tragically, she lost her life in a house fire, leaving a deep void in both her family and the community she served. John shares what it’s like to survive such a devastating loss, the process of grieving, and how his family is working to carry her legacy forward.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Advanced Foot Care of New Jersey

Legal Leaf of New Jersey