Big Little Stories

Ben Feller, former Chief White House Correspondent for the Associated Press, shares how spending years covering presidents shaped his approach to storytelling—and how a simple parenting moment inspired his heartfelt children’s book, Big Problems, Little Problems. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://www.bigproblemslittleproblems.com/

Award-winning entertainment journalist John Bathke talks about the power of a performance to unify an audience - and reminds us why covering culture is more important than ever. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. Instagram: @johnbathke 

Carlos Medina, Executive Producer and Host of Que Pasa NJ , shares how storytelling, culture, and community drive his mission to uplift Hispanic voices and inspire the next generation of leaders. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://quepasatv.org/

Varsha Waishampayan, Founder and CEO of WINGS for Growth, talks about why she left a high-powered career on Wall Street to help women find mentors, embrace leadership, and build lasting change. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://wingsforgrowth.org

Diane Young Unman, aka Princess Diane von Brainisfried, author of Bonjour, Breast Cancer—I’m Still Smiling , shares how humor, positivity, and purpose helped her navigate a breast cancer diagnosis and how she’s now using her story to uplift others. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz.  https://princessdianevonb.com/

Ilson Goncalves, owner of Samba Montclair and author of The Samba Montclair Gluten-Free Cookbook talks about the power of food to bring people, and communities, together. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz . https://www.sambamontclair.com/

Author Scott White talks about how we all have the power to live happier lives and why the first thought we have each morning is the most important one of the day.  Hosted by Ivy Charmatz . https://www.lifeistooshortguy.com/  

Katie Carroll, pediatric nurse and self-care coach, talks about why people who take care of others often need reminders to take care of themselves.  Hosted by Ivy Charmatz . https://katiecarrollcoaching.com/  

Robin Peacock, Executive Director of MEND Hunger Relief Network, talks about an important change to the way we think about food insecurity and how she would have benefitted from the organization’s innovative programming during her own childhood. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz . https://mendnj.org/  

Author Lockey Maisonneuve talks about learning to heal from an abusive childhood and dedicating her life to help others feel seen. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz . https://honoryoga.org/home  

Stormin’ Norman Seldin talks about his celebrated career as a performer and promoter and how the power of music saved his life. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz.

Joe Stetson, Chief Commercial Officer for the New York Red Bulls, talks about how a lifelong love of sports fueled a career that made him one of the most respected sports marketing executives in the country.  Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. www.newyorkredbulls.com  

Host Ivy Charmatz speaks with Laura Jones, one of the most celebrated political reporters in New Jersey and Host of New Jersey Politics which airs on ONNJ and WJLP-MeTV.

Mike Ham, Founder of Ham Radio Productions talks about becoming a content creator, building a New Jersey brand and meeting some incredible people a long the way. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. www.hamradioproductions.com  

Juan Melli, Board President of Team Wilderness, talks about the importance of making sure kids have the chance to explore nature and how quality time outside can have a profound impact on our mental, physical and emotional health. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz  www.teamwilderness.org  

Ali Taylor, Founder of Wisdom+Wayfinder, talks about accepting yourself in a world filled with comparisons, searching for belonging to avoid isolation, and how to stop yourself from stealing your own joy. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://wisdomandwayfinder.com/  

Brian Donohue talks about his award-winning career as a journalist covering New Jersey, how he sometimes stumbles upon his best stories and why working as a storyteller should always be considered a privilege. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://www.redbankgreen.com/

Marisa Sweeney MS RDN CSSD, Founder of Be Well Integrative Health, talks about empowering people to take control over their health and why we should be wary of some “experts” we see online. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://bewellihs.com/  

Adam Philipson, President and CEO of Count Basie Center for the Arts, talks about his journey into the world of entertainment and how he’s now creating a community that ensures the arts are accessible to everyone. Hosted by Ivy Charmatz. https://thebasie.org/ 

Jana Boyer talks about the tremendous advancements in the treatment of blood cancers, why the cure for all cancers could one day come from blood cancer research, and how volunteers have the power to make life-saving work possible. https://lls.org/

JoAnn Burney talks about the ability animals have to help kids and adults who struggle with special needs and/or mental health to reach their full potential. The farm she and her husband, Sean, founded has become a place for children and their families to get the treatment and support they need to live healthier, happier lives. https://allairecommunityfarm.org/

Suneet Bhatt talks about purpose, helping people create their way in the world, and the class he created at Rutgers University that is changing the way students think about their futures.

Carlos Lejnieks talks about the power of mentoring, how his life was changed by the people who stepped in, and how everyone has the power to make a meaningful impact in someone else’s journey through life. https://www.bigsandkids.org