Buying Local Podcast

Emily Dumont, owner of Poppy Physical Therapy, joins Buying Local to explain pelvic floor therapy, common symptoms people ignore, why pelvic floor dysfunction affects both women and men, and how personalized treatment can improve quality of life. Learn why leaking, pelvic pain, back pain, hip pain, and other symptoms are not simply "part of life" and what treatment options are available....

Join us as Bill Teator, Executive Director of Campaign for Saratoga 250, dives into America's monumental 250th anniversary and the pivotal role the Battles of Saratoga played in the Revolutionary War. Discover how the new Saratoga Revolutionary Experience app uses augmented reality to bring local history to life, connecting families with the courageous figures who shaped our nation. Learn more...

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Neelo Jaikeran, co-owner of Queensbury Billiards & Café, to discuss building a family-friendly billiards hall, restaurant, and event venue in Queensbury, New York. Neelo shares how she and her husband, Kevin, turned a passion for pool into a growing local business known for leagues, tournaments, private events, and authentic Caribbean...

What if your business never missed another lead, email, or customer call? In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Christopher Crowd, Founder of Severus AI, to discuss AI receptionists, workflow automation, AI agents, and how small businesses can use artificial intelligence to save time, improve customer service, and scale without adding overhead. Chris shares real-world example...

What if every child could learn to read—even those who are nonverbal? In this episode of Buying Local, special education teacher and literacy specialist Lauren Leuzinger shares how structured teaching, communication devices, and a "presume competence" mindset are helping autistic students unlock literacy and independence. Learn why reading is never out of reach, how AAC devices support c...

Mike Nelson sits down with Steve Miraglia, Market Manager and Board Secretary of the Ballston Spa Business & Professional Association, to discuss the 2026 market season, local vendors, Peach Fest, community events, and why Ballston Spa continues to be one of the Capital Region's most vibrant destinations. Learn how the BPA supports local businesses, attracts visitors downtown, and creates...

In this episode of the Buying Local podcast, Mike Nelson sits down with Chris and Ron to uncover how everyday Americans are combating the affordability crisis by repairing their credit scores. Discover expert strategies for disputing report inaccuracies, understanding credit utilization, and taking back your financial buying power. To learn more about improving your financial health, visit Chris M...

In episode 75 of the Buying Local podcast, James Bruchac returns to the show to talk about over 30 years of youth camps, survival education, and cultural storytelling at Ndakinna Education Center. From wilderness skills to Native traditions, he shares how hands-on outdoor experiences are shaping more confident, capable kids in today’s world. Learn more about Ndakinna Education Center and their pro...

In episode 74 of the Buying Local podcast, Author Jay Ingleston returns to the show to talk about his latest book, “ Just for Today: Small Words for Heavy Days” , his evolving writing process, and the emotional impact of creating work centered around grief, growth, and connection. The conversation dives into everything from self-publishing and AI tools to the challenges of writing fiction and the...

In episode 73 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Bethanie Lawrence to explore how the World Awareness Children’s Museum is bringing global culture and creativity to kids in the local community. They dive into nonprofit leadership, navigating challenges like the pandemic, and the importance of arts education in childhood development. Learn more about Bethanie Lawrence and...

In episode 72 of the Buying Local Podcast, Mike sits down with Brandon Dewyea as she shares how her work as a stylist and wellness professional helps people feel more confident, organized, and mentally at ease. From decluttering your environment to experiencing vibroacoustic therapy, this conversation explores how rest and simplicity can transform your daily life.  Find Brandon on her website at f...

In episode 71 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson catches up with creative powerhouse Todd Bailey to discuss his fascinating evolution from a performing musician to a Forbes-published photographer and fractional CMO. They dive deep into the impact of AI on content creation, the wild world of muscle cars, and why small businesses benefit immensely from fractional marketing leadership. You...

In episode 70 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Jared Humiston of Adirondack Technical Solutions to talk about how businesses can better manage IT, strengthen cybersecurity, and avoid costly disruptions. Jared shares practical insights on common tech mistakes, proactive solutions, and why having the right IT partner is essential for growth. Learn more about Jared and Adi...

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Nick Schkrioba of Peoplease to break down how Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) help businesses simplify payroll, workers’ compensation, compliance, and HR operations. Nick explains how outsourcing back-office tasks allows business owners to focus on growth while gaining access to better insurance rates, risk mitigation, and nati...

In episode 68 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson interviews Jacque Ecuyer, founder of the 4s4Life Foundation, about Operation Give Back—a free, all-day military appreciation event at Slickfin Brewing Company featuring live music, food trucks, raffles, and community camaraderie for veterans and their families. Now celebrating its fifth anniversary, the event directs 100% of proceeds to l...

In episode 67 of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Casey Cornell, Sean Wilcoxon, Mike Colvett, and Ron Pastino to talk about Cornell’s Used Auto Parts’ annual charity car show and the mission behind it. The conversation explores how the local event is raising money for Folds of Honor while sharing the powerful story of a 9/11 first responder whose family benefited from the...

In Episode 66 of the Buying Local Podcast, Mike Nelson sits down with intuitive life coach, speaker, and author Karen Carey to explore personal growth, emotional patterns, and the real work behind transformation. The conversation dives into her book Unbroken, unpacking how past experiences shape behavior, why discomfort often signals growth, and how self-awareness helps people rebuild their lives...

In episode 65 of the Buying Local podcast, host Matt Knoth sits down with real estate attorney Dan Wade to break down what buyers and sellers need to know to avoid costly mistakes during the home-buying process, from inspections to utilities to title work. He also shares practical tips on protecting your money, managing stress, and making sure your closing goes smoothly. Learn more about Dan Wade...

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike and Matthew sit down with Bob Fitch, Chris Leuzinger, and Shawn Moodie to break down how Gold Star Referral Clubs helps business owners grow through structured networking, relationship-building, and consistent referrals. They explain what makes their group different, how meetings are run, and why trust-based connections often outperform traditional advertising...

In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Sean Palladino, Writer and Councilperson-Elect, to talk about storytelling, spotlighting small businesses, and what it’s like capturing the heartbeat of the Glens Falls community through writing. Sean also opens up about mental health, public service, and why getting involved locally can truly change everything. You can find Sean at s...

In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Ohad Oren, Licensed Loan Consultant at loanDepot, to break down what actually goes into getting approved for a mortgage without the jargon or pressure. Ohad shares how education, trust, and long-term relationships help buyers navigate one of the biggest financial decisions of their lives with confidence. Connect with Ohad Oren through...

In this episode of Buying Local, host Matt Knoth sits down with Alisha Stosic, owner of Downtown Dogs Spa & Boutique, to talk about leaving the corporate world, opening a dog-focused business in downtown Glens Falls, and helping revitalize South Street. They discuss the challenges of starting out, the importance of community, and how pets can bring people together in powerful ways. You can fin...

In this new episode of the Buying Local podcast, Mike sits down with Brian Green, founder of Green Springs Companies, to break down how a single-property investment evolved into a vertically integrated real estate operation spanning development, property management, construction, and financial advisory. Tune in as they delve into scaling strategies, market pivots, calculated risk, and how a long-t...

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Michelle and Tim Schultz to talk about their journey from corporate careers to building a multi-service home design business in the Capital Region. They discuss custom window treatments, interior design, windows and doors, and the launch of their new Glen Street showroom focused on high-touch local service. Discover Tim and Michelle’s hom...

In this episode of Buying Local, Mike Nelson sits down with Matthew Knoth to talk about his journey into sales, networking in the Capital Region, and what it really means to build relationships in a local business community. Matthew also shares his experience stepping into the fire, learning through rejection, and preparing to take on a bigger role with the Buying Local podcast. You can connect wi...