FLX Flow

In this episode Colleen and I sat down to reflect on the shows third season with a very relaxed and playful conversation. It’s not often that the two of us get to chat in this way and it provided an opportunity for us to fix our microphone arrangement that we didn’t realize was a problem until now, talk about what we’ve learned from our guests and surprises that came up during this season, the ene...

In this, our final episode of season three, we met with Josh Friedman,  who, along with his wife Joan, owns and operates the Corner House Cannabis, Gifts, and Supplies dispensary located midway between Trumansburg and Ithaca at 1708 Trumansburg Rd. We learned of how an empty business location, paired with an aging cottage, piqued his interest and would later become homes to Mama Said Hand Pies and...

In this episode we step slightly out of the Finger Lakes and directly into virtual reality to meet with the members of the Rise Up Karaoke crew who have been hosting Friday night Karaoke in VR since 2021. I crossed paths with these lovely human beings while exploring VR spaces over a year ago and have been a regular at their events ever since. We talked about what it means to create a warm and inv...

In this Episode we met with Susan The Burgundy Bullet and Robin Red Flag Danger Crush of the burlesque troupe Whiskey Tango Side Show. We learned about their history, the ways in which dance experience and expertise of current and past members has helped to contribute to performances, how costumes and attire are created and maintained, and the many ways in which this talented act has evolved since...

In this episode we met with Denise Milito who grew up in Grand Rapids Michigan, lived in Chicago for 20 years, and relocated to the Finger Lakes Region in 2011. She is a skilled artist across a menagerie of mediums including mosaic, crochet, and beautifully handcrafted mittens made from repurposed articles of clothing. Denise is very engaged with local schools to help encourage young people to exa...

In this episode we met with Bethany Haswell and Marilla Gonzalez, small business owners in Geneva NY and the hosts of the TYFU - Thank You For Understanding podcast. The two started the podcast as a much needed platform where they, along with other small business owners, could commiserate and share their many heartwarming, humorous, and bizarre stories that come with owning and managing small busi...

In this episode we met with Arlene Hewitt and Susanne Morgan to talk about their roles and experiences as threshold singers at Hospicare of Ithaca. Threshold singing is the practice of singing soft, gentle, and often repetitive songs (resembling lullabies) at the bedside of individuals who are very ill, dying, or facing significant life transitions as a means of bringing comfort, peace, and loving...

In this episode we met with Kartik Sribarra to learn about his experiences in the food and retail industry; how his time working at the Greenstar co-op in Ithaca and the Main Street Market in Trumansburg influenced and helped to cultivate his dream of opening the Danby Food & Drink. We heard about the ways in which his establishment has become a hub of community activity and serves as a gather...

In this episode we met with Mike Brindisi to talk about his current work with Matt Masur on the “Good News York” podcast bringing good news to their listeners about all things positive taking place throughout New York State. We also had a great time hearing about his incredible history in the entertainment industry as a member of the national touring musical act, The New York Rock, an acting caree...

In this episode we met with Owego resident Josh Marland to discuss his relationship with the town itself, what drew him to incorporate insects into his art and creative expression, as well as the ways in which he sees an intersection of art and science. Josh enjoys collaborating with other creative types and works to provide guidance and inspiration to those wishing to express themselves through a...

In this episode we met with Sheamus Burns to talk about the Bullthistle Studio & Art Gallery located in Owego, NY.  We took some time to talk about his life, what drew him to art in his youth, and the ways in which he is influenced by the natural landscapes of the Finger Lakes Region. Sheamus envisions the Bullthistle becoming a community gathering place where artists and art enthusiasts can g...

Greetings FLX flow listeners! Colleen and I are steadily working on season three recordings and hope to start releasing episodes early in the new year. In the meantime, we want to ensure that you have a little something to listen to between seasons and so we’ll be releasing some mini episodes to fill in the gap. In this episode I met with Liv Licursi to talk about her experiences at the Fringe Fes...

We would like to take a moment to thank all of our listeners for their support as we close out and wrap up season 2 of the FLX Flow podcast. In this episode we reflect on the time spent with our fantastic guests, their contributions to the show, and what we learned from their life stories. We’re going to be taking a bit of a break as we prepare for season 3 and will hopefully be dropping some bonu...

In this episode we met with Jeffrey Palmer, a Kiowa filmmaker whose path is as unique as his storytelling. From his early days at the University of Oklahoma, where a chance encounter with ethnographic films sparked his passion, to his groundbreaking work at Sundance, Jeff's story is one of perseverance and creativity. He provided us with a look at his work in academia and we learned about his dedi...

In this episode we met with Loren Penman to explore her journey of creating the Autism Nature Trail, a unique outdoor space designed for individuals on the autism spectrum located in Letchworth State Park. Loren shared insights into the trail's origin, its design principles focused on inclusivity, and the various sensory stations that enhance the visitor experience. Her words highlight the importa...

In this episode I met with the exceptionally talented Andy Colpitts who envisioned the Family Copoli and brought it to life with close friend and collaborator, Michael Wookey. Andy is a playwright, skilled puppeteer, burlesque dancer, and is currently focused on completing his Phd at Cornell University. This episode was recorded just days after the Family Copoli was performed at the Ithaca Soil Fa...

In this episode Chris met with several members of the cast and crew of The Family Copoli: A New Post-Apocalyptic Burlesque Musical, written by Andy Colpitts with musical score by Michael Wookey.  This incredible musical had its first official first run at Cornell University's Schwartz Center for the Performing Arts back in 2023. In part one of this two part series you’ll be hearing from Liv Licurs...

In this episode we met with Rachel Kennedy to talk about her experiences working with the encore players community theater and how she has grown both as an actress and director in Trumansburg. We also took some time to discuss her creative talents as a local artist and to examine the various mosaics that she has created, the buildings that they adorn, and the stories behind them.  

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 thre...

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...

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...

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/

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 tow...

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. 

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 imp...