Celebrate Your Story

Working caregivers, adults who balance a career while caring for an ailing friend or family member, often struggle with a lack of support and understanding from their employers and society at large. To discuss this growing issue, Jim is joined by Rhonda Klug, Head of Community Relations at Harry & David, along with Selma Archer and Zack Demopoulos, co-authors of 'The Working Caregiver: The Invisib...

Karen Worcester tells the story of Wreaths Across America and their year-long mission: REMEMBER the fallen, HONOR those who served, and TEACH the next generation the value of freedom. Hear how one small act of patriotism by Karen and her family grew into a cultural movement with millions of volunteers across the country culminating in National Wreaths Across America Day. Karen and Jim discuss the...

Radio industry veteran and talent agent John McConnell shares the stories and secrets that defined his career in media. Hear how a life-altering bike accident inspired him to work with The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and help others who have experienced severe spinal injuries. Get a peak behind the curtain in the world of broadcasting and learn the advice that John gives young professional...

Spin Magazine Founder Bob Guccione Jr's passion for writing has taken him across the world as a journalist, editor, and publisher. His globetrotting, adventurous spirit led Bob to his current venture, the irreverent travel publication WONDERLUST. This conversation highlights the power that music, humor, food, and travel have to bring us together and help us better understand the world around us.  ...

Explore the fascinating world of entertainment through the eyes of industry titan Sandy Climan. From his Bronx beginnings to scaling the heights of Hollywood, Sandy shares stories of mentorship, resilience and the A-listers that have defined his illustrious career. Jim and Sandy's discussion spotlights the importance of giving back and guiding the next generation.     New podcast episodes released...

Jim delves into the intriguing world of language with Dr. Jonah Berger, a renowned expert in natural language processing, influence, and consumer behavior. Dr. Berger, author of "Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way," unveils six types of "magic words'' that can transform your communication and impact across all aspects of life. Learn these secret weapons to revolutionize your personal and pro...

Jim sits down with Walter Stockton, Founder, President, and CEO of IGHL Family of Services, a Long Island-based nonprofit, offering lifelong support to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They reflect on their enduring friendship, dating back to 1994 when Jim's brother moved into an IGHL group home, and how this journey evolved into the creation of Smile Farms. This episo...

Today, Jim sits down with Brian Halligan, the genius behind HubSpot and now the force behind Propeller, a fund that's making waves in climate and ocean-related startups.   HubSpot was a game-changer for businesses in customer relationship management and inbound marketing, but it was a near-death experience that made Brian pivot and shine a spotlight on what he calls, the unsung hero of our planet,...

This week on Celebrations Chatter, Jim sits down with Zettawatts Founder and founding Priceline CTO Scott Case for a discussion about green technology, climate change, and sustainable energy.   Scott's approach to building a sustainable future takes into account the challenges that face the transition from fossil fuels to green energy, while still being optimistic about the innovations that busine...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim talks with former CEO of United Airlines and author of the book "Turnaround Time: Uniting an Airline and its Employees in the Friendly Skies", Oscar Munoz.   Oscar shares his remarkable journey, which includes leading one of the most significant corporate turnarounds in modern business history.   Tune in to learn important leadership values that Oscar's...

In this episode, Dr. Angela Jackson, the Founder of Future Forward Strategies, and Jim discuss the ever-evolving relationship between education and technology, ways to make education and career opportunities more accessible, technological inequity, the future of work, and how our relationship with work and education will change as people continue to live longer.   Future Forward Strategies is labo...

Music industry veteran, David Nathan teamed up with International DJ, Sam Koch to launch Happy Jack Entertainment . They are on a mission to bring mental health awareness and advocacy to all through music and are on a path to disrupt the industry in order to do so.    David Nathan tragically lost his 19 year old son, Jack, in July of 2020. Before his passing, Jack founded a mental health awareness...

This week on Celebrations Chatter, Brandi Hunter Munden, Vice President of PR and Communications at the American Kennel Club, shares how dogs can help us live a happier, healthier, and more fulfilling life.   For more than 130 years, the American Kennel Club has been America's premier resource for dog lovers, encouraging dogs as family companions, advancing canine health, advocating for dog owner...

Alison Moore, CEO of Comic Relief US, stops by Celebrations Chatter to discuss their partnership with 1-800-Flowers.com to help end the cycle of child poverty. Comic Relief US stages celebrity-studded fundraising events to benefit charitable organizations, and have raised over $380 million to help nearly 31 million children worldwide. As part of the Red Nose Day campaign, Comic Relief US and 1-800...

In this episode of Celebrations Chatter, Jim McCann interviews Mindy Grossman, Partner at Consello Group and former President and CEO of WW (formerly Weight Watchers). Mindy shares her journey in the apparel industry, her time at Nike, and the importance of understanding and connecting with the consumer. She shares the vision behind Consello and how they are leading the way as a one-of-a-kind fina...

What is true hospitality? Is it the service that we receive, or is it something more?   Hospitality is the cornerstone of Tom Colicchio's approach to restaurants. He understands that creating an atmosphere of genuine hospitality goes beyond simply serving exceptional food; it encompasses every aspect of the guest's experience, from the moment they step through the door to the time they leave with...

International Friendship Day is coming up on July 30th, and at 1-800-Flowers.com, we're focusing our attention on the special relationships shared between friends and what they can accomplish together.    One story of friendship that has inspired me recently is that of Dave Hamburg and Randy Hartnell. Dave and Randy bonded over a shared love of fishing, a passion that eventually led them to go int...

It's no secret that AI is rapidly changing the world we live in. We've just scratched the surface at 1-800-FLOWERS.com with our own versions of AI, MomVerse and DadJokeGPT.  Some fear the long-term impacts, or write it off for trivial reasons, but I see it as a tool to accelerate and improve. ChatGPT and other AI tools can help people be the best versions of themselves, overcome constraints, and e...

When you give people the opportunity to pursue something they excel at, it can change their lives.   In honor of Disability Pride Month, we're celebrating Collette Divitto, a young woman with Down Syndrome who founded her own company, Collettey's Cookies. Collette was struggling with her school's curriculum, but when she took an elective baking class, everything changed. She was talented, enthusia...

Only in America can someone have the opportunity to go from being an educator to one of the most influential figures in banking and capital markets.   Bob Diamond is Founding Partner and CEO of Atlas Merchant Capital, a company that seeks to build long-term value for their investors through differentiated expertise in financial services and credit markets.   I've been friends with Bob for a long t...

People often double-take when Lee Senderov shares what industry she works in. It doesn't surprise her though - she understands it may be difficult for some people to imagine working in the deathcare industry!   Lee is Chief Marketing and Digital Officer at Foundation Partners Group, an organisation that has been leading the funeral industry in innovation and compassionate care.   Here at Celebrati...

With Father's Day approaching this weekend, it's time to honor those heroes in our lives, but should we be framing dads as heroes?    My friend and Author of "Daddy Saturday" Justin Batt says, "When you set yourself up as the hero, then it becomes about you, not about your kids," he shares. "When you position yourself as the guide rather than a hero, you allow your ego and your pride to drop."   J...

When I need perspective on resilience, one of the first people I turn to is Anthony Scaramucci. Anthony and I have been friends and connected in many ways for a long time, including our shared Long Island roots.   In fact, Anthony attributes much of his resilience to Long Island's "culture for risk-taking, being yourself, and comfortable in your own skin." Anthony has built a career as a successfu...

One of my core beliefs is that we have to be intentional about building and maintaining our relationships with the people that matter most to us. Every activity is an opportunity to deepen a connection we have with somebody important or new in our lives which is why I applaud Dan Hermann for what he has created with Paint Nite.    Paint Nite is a fun and engaging live events company centered aroun...

Behind the barbecues and pool parties that celebrate Memorial Day is the remembrance of those who gave their lives in defense of this country. To honor the occasion, Celebrations Chatter is presenting a special military-focused episode. To share perspectives on the men and women in uniform, we're sitting down this week with Rob Newson. Rob has had a highly accomplished military career as a U.S. Na...