Buying Local Podcast

In this episode, host Mike Nelson sits down with James Bruchac at the Ndakinna Education Center to explore his rich background in indigenous storytelling, animal tracking, and wilderness survival skills. James shares thrilling stories from tracking grizzlies in Yellowstone, his family's Abenaki heritage, and practical tips for upcoming winter courses on fire making, tracking, and navigation. F...

In this episode of the Buying Local podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Alicia Turner from Catamount Consulting about their proactive ergonomics services, exploring how the company uses science, technology, and education to prevent workplace injuries in blue-collar and other industries. They dive into topics like the COPE framework, custom stretch-and-flex programs, breathwork, quantifying fatigu...

In this crossover episode of the Buying Local podcast—also shared on Blue Collar StartUp—host Mike Nelson welcomes guest Derek Foster of Daigle Cleaning Systems to discuss how robotics and automation are transforming trade businesses. They dive into real-world applications in commercial cleaning, solving labor shortages, boosting efficiency, and enhancing results in places like healthcare faciliti...

In this episode, we sit down with Felicia and Matt, the team behind Hometown Board Shop, to explore how they’re rebuilding a true snowboard and freeski community in the Adirondack foothills. From gear education to local ride meetups and the return of grassroots competitions, they share their vision for bringing back the board-shop culture they grew up with. You can find Hometown Board Shop at home...

In this episode of Buying Local, host Mike Nelson sits down with Sara Kelly to explore the Joyful Support Movement, a platform designed to bring community, emotional support, and practical home management tools to people who feel overwhelmed. Sara shares her journey, the three-step framework behind the movement, and how the Village, courses, and podcasts help people feel seen, supported, and capab...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Kym Hance from Herzog Law Firm to talk about aging life care management and how proactive planning can make the later years truly golden. They explore family dynamics, estate and elder law planning, long-term care options, and how to approach sensitive aging conversations with compassion and clarity. Connect with Herzog L...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson chats with Dr. Susan Sikule from Just Cats Veterinary Clinic about 31 years in business, the clinic’s recent move to Mechanicville, and how feline medicine has evolved over the decades. They discuss advancements in veterinary technology, new treatments like cold laser therapy and oral diabetes medication, and what it takes to run a succ...

In this new episode of the Buying Local podcast, host Michael Nelson sits down with veterinarian Dr. Kyra Haring as she shares harrowing stories of animal abuse in local communities, advocating for a local animal shelter to provide law enforcement and prevent further suffering. She discusses her petition, ongoing cases, and upcoming county board meetings to rally community action. Sign this petiti...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson chats with Lynn Milone-Baker and Krista LeMay from Luxe Key Realty about launching their new brokerage, navigating real estate changes, and the current market in the Adirondack region. They discuss seller's market trends, low inventory challenges, first-time buyer insights, and a standout commercial listing! Listen to Buying Local o...

In this episode of Buying Local, host Mike Nelson sits down with Tracey Puckhaber to talk about her path into music therapy and how she brings that work to families through Nourishing Minds Tutoring. Tracey explains how music can be used as a clinical tool to support emotional regulation, speech development, focus, and connection across all ages. You can find Tracey at nourishingmindstutoring.com...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson chats with Lisa Boucher, founder of HR Ninja, about her journey from accounting and banking to launching her human resources consulting firm. Lisa discusses her 25 years of HR experience, her martial arts background, and how she helps small businesses navigate compliance, culture, and more. Connect with Lisa on LinkedIn or at lisabouche...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, we have a special episode crossover with Blue Collar StartUp. Host Mike Nelson sits down with Jason and Stacy Spector to explore how growth mindset, resilience, and mindset coaching can transform students, athletes, and blue-collar workers alike. Tune in as they share personal stories from wrestling and education, practical strategies for leadership in...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson chats with Ben Ward from ImmunoTek Plasma about the impact of plasma donation, raising community awareness, and bringing new opportunities to the Adirondack region. They discuss donor compensation, how the center contributes over $1 million back into the community, and more! Listen to Buying Local on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Rumble, and...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with astrologer Jane Fairchild from Woman in the Moon. Jane shares her journey from studying astrology at 13 to building a business that helps people reconnect with their authentic selves. She explains how birth charts work, what planetary cycles reveal, and how astrology can guide individuals, families, and even businesses. Conne...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson chats with Casey Cornell and Mike Colvett from Cornell’s Auto Parts about growing a second-generation family business, supporting the community through fundraisers like breast cancer awareness, and navigating the challenges of the auto recycling industry. They also discuss company culture, car shows, and the future of vehicles in New Yo...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson welcomes back author and storyteller Jay Ingleston for an in-depth conversation about his new book Only So Many Times, the creative process behind self-publishing, and the personal stories of family, fatherhood, and resilience that inspire his writing. Jay also shares insights into his journey as a writer, his experiences with Kindle Di...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Shawn Pepe and Stephen Tomb of Transworld Business Advisors of Albany. Tune in as they talk about how they help small business owners plan exits, protect legacies, and maximize value. They also dive into the “silver tsunami” of retiring owners, the importance of proper planning, and why confidentiality is critical in busi...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Paul Graver, owner of EXSETIS Consulting, to discuss how strong processes can eliminate chaos, empower employees, and help businesses scale. Paul also shares stories from his 30+ years in manufacturing and his family venture, The Grill Pantry, where he turned a homemade wing sauce into a shelf-stable business. Find the Bu...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson is joined by Barry Potoker and Lisa Licata to discuss the 2025 Saratoga Showcase of Homes. They explore the event’s 29-year history, its role in showcasing new homes and builders in Saratoga County, its significant contributions to local charities, and more! Find the Buying Local Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Rumble....

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Tim Suprise, longtime entrepreneur, brewery founder, and employer engagement leader at SUNY Adirondack. Tune in as they discuss his journey from Army ROTC and law enforcement to launching Arcadia Brewing Company, creative ways to raise capital, the importance of trades education, and how pig roasts and British ales built last...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson sits down with Arthur Kraamwinkel, a poultry farmer from Hepatica Farm in Greenwich, NY. They dive into the challenges and rewards of regenerative farming, the economics of pastured poultry, Arthur’s vision for a diversified, sustainable farm operation, and more! Find the Buying Local Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Rum...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Brian Stidd, CPA and founder of Stidd CPA in Glens Falls, NY. Tune in as they discuss the most common mistakes small business owners make with taxes, what’s actually in the “Big Beautiful Bill,” how to track profitability in your business, and much more! Find the Buying Local Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and R...

In this episode of Buying Local , host Mike Nelson sits down with entrepreneur and EOS implementer Dave Borland to talk about the real challenges business owners face when scaling their companies. From early failures and marketing mergers to the power of systems like EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System), Dave shares hard-earned insights from over a decade of helping teams grow with clarity and p...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Katy Margison, founder of Athena Nutrition. Tune in as they discuss her journey from CrossFit to weightlifting, her battle with addiction and path to sobriety, how she’s helping women achieve sustainable health through nutrition coaching, and much more! Find the Buying Local Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Ru...

In this episode of the Buying Local Podcast, host Mike Nelson talks with Bill Teator, Executive Director of the Campaign for Saratoga 250. They discuss the legacy of the Battle of Saratoga, how it shaped world history, and what’s planned for the 250th anniversary including graphic novels, living history events, and augmented reality experiences. Find the Buying Local Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, A...