Correct me if I'm Norm

Norm talks with Dave Leonard, Rhinebeck-based podcast host of 'Hudson Valley Unleashed,' DJ, business owner, dedicated family man, and truly amazing friend who just ran his first NYC Marathon. Dave traces his path from college radio at Denison through creating the 'Unleashed' format and building his own DJ business. The conversation gets personal as Dave opens up about surviving a near-fatal car a...

Norm chats with Debbie Hecht as she shares her journey into local politics, her recent election to the Rhinebeck Town Board, and her dedication to community activism. A knitter, teacher of knitting, mom and dog mom with a PhD in Classics from Columbia University, Debbie discusses how she co-founded BeckHook Pride and her experiences growing up in New York City during pivotal moments in LGBTQ histo...

Join Norm for a conversation with Mickey Haggerty and Suzanne Kelly, fixtures at the Rhinebeck Farmer's Market where they sell saffron, turmeric, and other crops raised on their Green Owl Farm. They discuss how Mickey, a retired trust and estates attorney and the farm's official "farm hand," connected with Suzanne, author and retired professor who serves as "owner and grower," when he helped her p...

Norm welcomes Sam Simon, host of the new podcast " Technocracy for Dummies " and a Bard art history major specializing in experimental humanities. Sam explains the evolution of technocracy from its origins as a vision of scientific governance to today's reality of tech billionaires wielding unprecedented power over government and society. Norm delves into Sam’s interest in avant-garde art and the...

Norm is joined by Rhinebeck's own Adele Abide. Raised in the Mississippi Delta as a Lebanese-American, Adele shares her journey of culture shock upon arriving at the Rhode Island School of Design to study fashion. She reflects on creating her own line of dresses, transitioning to become creative director at a garden furniture company, and eventually establishing an interior decorating firm alongsi...

Norm sits down with Sheri Sceroler, a dynamic presence in the Hudson Valley who brings Louisiana charm to upstate New York. For 26 years, Sheri has made the region home, zipping around town on her bike or in her vintage MG convertible complete with racing number, playing competitive tennis, and building a thriving real estate career in Rhinebeck. Hailing from a culinary family in Baton Rouge, Sher...

Norm welcomes Lara Gillett, whose remarkable journey took her from Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to the Hudson Valley by way of UC Irvine, Wharton, Wall Street, and corporate America. Now a leadership and empowerment coach, Lara shares her stories from including her background in financial services, her transition into corporate consulting, and her current work helping others develop emot...

Norm welcomes back Karen Sullivan, the Irma Brandeis Professor of Romance Literature and Culture at Bard College, to explore the history and traditions of Halloween. They discuss its pagan origins in Ireland, the lore of fairy folk, and the essential Celtic holidays. Professor Sullivan shares insights on the Salem Witch Trials, examining the cultural and historical forces behind the hysteria and i...

Norm talks with Michele Linnen, who left Rhinebeck in the 1960s and went on to live in D.C., the U.K., France, Germany, and Honduras. She's worked for the Peace Corps, for two U.S. senators, and as a child therapist. Michele shares her remarkable journey, from finding inspiration in Gertrude Stein's legendary Paris salon to forging her own path across continents. Now back in Rhinebeck, she hosts S...

Norm welcomes author, illustrator, teacher, and all-around artistic badass, Peter McCarty. He's written and/or illustrated dozens of books and won all the awards. They discuss his latest graphic novel and magnum opus, 'The Five Wolves.' They explore Peter's creative journey from children's picture books to complex graphic novels, discussing artistic inspiration, the decades-long process behind his...

Norm welcomes dancer and choreographer Kati Garcia-Renart for an conversation about flamenco, family heritage, and the transformative power of dance. Kati opens up about her formative years training in Spain, her work as a dance instructor at Simons Rock, and the rich historical legacy that shapes her artistic practice. Kati and Norm explore flamenco's cultural roots and evolution, touching on the...

Norm sits down with Robert Kirwood, a Rhinebeck native and seasoned bartender who's served everyone from local regulars to celebrities. Growing up in Rhinebeck and now tending bar at Rhinecellar, Kirwood shares stories from his 40-year career, from making his first cocktails to crafting classics like 'The Last Word.' The conversation covers the Beatles, booze trivia, bartending through the pandemi...

Norm chats with Michele Montalbano, the Director of Programming and Outreach at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck. Michele shares insights on her Sicilian heritage, her journey into library sciences (which has included work as a teacher, archivist, literary agent, writing tutor, and crossword aficionado), and the rewarding human-centered aspects of her work. Discover her innovative programming, from...

Norm chats with Rhinecliff’s own Donald Corren about his incredible life in theater. They kick things off with some talk about gardening before jumping into Donald's acting journey. Donald opens up about his work in regional theaters and his current project—the new Dolly Parton musical, 'Dolly, a True Original Musical.' He shares some great behind-the-scenes stories about Dolly herself and what it...

Norm is joined by actress and writer Cecile Callan. Callen discusses her career journey from New York theater, including work at Cafe Central and the Public Theater, to television roles in Los Angeles on shows like "Hill Street Blues" and “ER.” She shares insights on entertainment industry challenges, her creative writing work and her upcoming psychological thriller film "Angels Twice Descending."...

Join Norm as he sits down with community organizer Nancy McKay to discuss the upcoming Rhinebeck Porch Fest, happening this Saturday, September 13th. Nancy walks us through the details of this popular local event, which features 44 bands performing on porches along Chestnut and Livingston streets. The day-long festival offers a variety of musical styles, from indie folk to jazz, with food trucks s...

Norm sits down with Rhinecliff resident Karen Sullivan, the Irma Brandeis Professor of Romance Literature and Culture at Bard College, for a conversation that spans centuries and continents. Karen specializes in medieval studies and is acclaimed for her research on historical and literary truths in medieval French and Occitan literature. She discusses her various interests, from her academic work...

Norm sits down with guest O.K. (Oskar) Fox, for an in-depth conversation. Oskar is a multifaceted artist who grew up near Rhinebeck and discusses the experience of returning to the area as an adult. The discussion covers Oskar's transition journey, his artistic influences, and the challenges of being an artist in a neighborhood undergoing gentrification. Oskar, who identifies as he/him and also pe...

Join guest host Kimmi Berlin and Norm Magnusson for this special celebration of Correct me If I'm Norm's 200th episode and four-year milestone on Radio Free Rhinecliff. Past guests share moving reflections on what makes Norm's interviews special—his genuine curiosity and unique conversational gifts. The episode traces Norm's path as both dedicated listener and accomplished artist, covering everyth...

Norm sits down with Cali Alpert, a professional interviewer with years of experience across television, podcasts, and radio. Cali shares insights into her journey, from her early interest in Barbara Walters to creating her website theinnerviewer.net, where she offers one-on-one coaching on interviewing skills and personal development. Norm goes into Cali's life story, her spiritual journey, and he...

Norm chats with Djan Paunovic, whose remarkable career spans continents and decades in the hospitality industry. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Switzerland, Djan now serves as a cornerstone of Rhinebeck's dining scene at Terrapin Restaurant. Djan shares his stories from his early career in Switzerland, working at prestigious establishments like the Robinson Club and ski resort bars. Most remarkabl...

Norm sits down with Lillian Lin for an intimate and wide-ranging discussion, exploring the extraordinary tapestry of her life experiences. Lillian discusses her medical odyssey, beginning with a stage four neuroblastoma diagnosis as an infant that recently led to kidney transplant surgery. She reflects on how her health journey has shaped her relationship with her teenage son, whose interest in pu...

Norm sits down with graphic designer extraordinaire and jetsetter; Dairo Chamorro “Mayor of Amtrak.” They share Japanese vodka cocktails while exploring Dairo's colorful journey from Reuters journalist to scotch whiskey entrepreneur, discussing his global travels, family stories, business challenges including tariffs and logistics, his talent for befriending strangers from Amtrak trains to interna...

Norm chats with artist Nadine Robbins about her French-American upbringing and artistic journey. Nadine shares memories of childhood in southern France and growing up bilingual. The conversation covers Nadine's artistic evolution from painting oysters inspired by her Charleston coastal roots to her career breakthrough when an unsolicited gallery submission launched her professional success. She di...

From Brooklyn to global stages and now Milan, NY-he's a former globe-trotting DJ, a community events organizer and a brand-new dad: please welcome the always charming Zev Le Wolfe. Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org Send comments to comments@radiofreerhinecliff.org