Learning To Fly

On this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with Charlie Moore—the high-energy, Emmy Award-winning host of Charlie Moore No Offense . Known to millions as "The Mad Fisherman," Charlie has been a dominant force in outdoor television and sports media for over three decades. Charlie shares how his journey began as a young entertainer working the crowds at the Winthrop Ma...

On this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with David Bieber—a legendary figure in Boston’s media and music scene for over 50 years.  David shares how his journey began as a college reporter for Billboard magazine, leading to a dynamic career in media after graduation. He reflects on his time at the helm of iconic Boston radio stations WBCN and WFNX during their peak in the...

On this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with acclaimed Massachusetts painter Thomas R. Dunlay, one of the few artists keeping the New England traditional painting style alive. Tom shares his journey from early inspiration under his father to pursuing art at MassArt—and why he left after 18 months in search of a more disciplined, classical approach. Bruce and Tom explore h...

In this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with Casey Soward, President & CEO of the Boch Center—home to the historic Wang and Shubert Theatres. Casey shares his journey from a music-obsessed kid on Cape Cod to leading one of Boston’s most influential performing arts institutions, detailing the unconventional path that led him from performing on stage to running it. They...

In this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with Rob Collings, CEO and chief pilot of the Collings Foundation and president of the American Heritage Museum in Hudson, MA. Rob shares the remarkable story of how his family’s foundation grew from a small antique car collection into one of the nation’s premier living heritage organizations, dedicated to preserving and showcasing...

On the latest episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman chats with Paul Barclay, co-founder of Boston’s iconic Comedy Connection. The club helped launch the careers of comedy heavyweights like Steven Wright, Paula Poundstone, Bobcat Goldthwait, Joe Rogan, and Rosie O’Donnell (just to name a few). Bruce and Paul share anecdotes from this legendary club as well as Paul’s other successes– like...

On this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with Dr. Charlotte de Brabandt– an accomplished businesswoman who’s had success in supply chains and technological procurement, philanthropist with a PHD, and author. Tackling all this and a breast cancer diagnosis at the young age of 35, the episode takes a deep dive into how she’s been able to achieve so much.  They discuss how sh...

On this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman talks with Steven Tompkins, who has served as Suffolk County’s Sheriff for the past 12 years. Sheriff Tompkins shares his humble beginnings, describing how he earned a full scholarship to Boston College through a diversity outreach program. They explore his unconventional career path—from working as a TV producer to transitioning into public...

On this episode of Learning to Fly , host Bruce Mittman sits down with one of the biggest names in sports history, Joe Theismann. They discuss Joe’s small-town upbringing and how it paved the way for his football career. Theismann shares the story behind the marketing campaign at Notre Dame that led to a pronunciation change of his surname to rhyme with ‘Heisman’, college football’s most coveted t...

In the latest episode of ‘ Learning to Fly ’ our host, Bruce Mittman, sits down with Jeff Friedman, a seasoned security professional and “legend in the music community” with over 40 years in the biz. Jeff shares the story of how he got his unplanned start in the security business, working at small clubs around Boston, and his rise to becoming the head of Wizard Security, where he manages security...

On this episode of Learning to Fly , Bruce is joined by Greg Hill, renowned radio personality and entrepreneur, who shares his journey from hosting a makeshift radio show in his garage to becoming a morning show icon on WAAF and WEEI Sports Network. The episode delves into Greg’s career path, his passion for radio, and the evolution of the industry over the past 35 years. Greg reflects on the chal...

On this episode of Learning to Fly, Bruce is joined by Larry Calderone, President of the Boston Police Patrolmen’s Association, who recently negotiated one of the best contracts for the union since 1965. The episode explores Larry’s career path, challenges along the way, and the evolution of modern policing. Larry emphasizes his deep-rooted commitment to advocating for his peers and touches on the...

Massachusetts state auditor Diana DiZoglio joins Bruce on the mic as they discuss and debate governmental accountability and Diana’s unconventional journey into politics-highlighted by how she’s overcome resistance and adversity both personally and professionally.

In this episode, money talks as Bruce sits down with Joe Campanelli, Chairman and CEO of Needham Bank. During his reign, Joe has taken the community bank all the way to the Nasdaq and fostered unprecedented growth. The conversation chronicles Joe’s career in banking, including his tenure at Sovereign Bank where he oversaw a merger which at the time was the largest branch and business divestiture i...

Bruce is joined by Michael Barsamian, a pioneer in the hairdressing industry, who introduced Lord’s and Lady’s, a chain of salons that catered to both men and women-a radical idea at the time. The episode chronicles his challenges and triumphs and then transitions into topics such as Michael’s foray into the real estate business and building luxury homes, and the launch of his new book entitled “H...

Bruce sits down with Christopher Knight, famous for playing the iconic character Peter on the Brady Bunch. While Christopher enjoyed early acclaim as an actor, the discussion also details his work on the other side of the camera, including his success in tech, the launch of his new line of home furniture, and the pressures that come with protecting the beloved Brady brand. www.studio550boston.com

In the second half of our sitdown, Paul talks about his post rockstar life and his decision to leave the beloved band he built to pursue a solo career in music management.

Bruce sits down for our inaugural LTF podcast with musician Paul Geary of Extreme.  They discuss Paul’s formation of the band and their rise to #1 on the Billboard charts.