Failing Up

In this episode I have an insightful and entertaining conversation with former international lacrosse player for the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, founding member of the rock band The Ripcords and lecturer/mentor Rex Lyons.  We touched on the legacy of his father  Oren Lyons, a renowned lacrosse player and human rights advocate, the impact the that the Haudenosaunee Confederacy has had throughout our...

In this episode I have a conversation with author and renaissance woman Ava Zacardi.  Ava has completed her final book in her Julia trilogy titled, 'Forever Julia, Bella's Journey."  Her exploration of family, art and regional beauty through the main character, Julia is gripping, entertaining, and moving as she takes readers on an unforgettable journey with Julia.   Ava is also an a...

There is not a place on earth that can compete with Autumn in New York. From Manhattan, to Old Forge, the Great Lakes, the St Lawrence River, and Niagara Falls,  Autumn in New York is a different experience to be cherished.  Yes different, yet the same, a changing season with, crisp air, sweaters, cider and pumpkins, that gives us the flare of the Big Apple, or the quaintness of a country road; Au...

In a day and age when most of us are obsessed with washing hands in the bathroom and not having to touch anything, we carry one filthy item with us after we depart this public space of shared germs and no eye contact.  It is our phone that one item we can't live without for one second of the day.  We cross the street with it, walk into each other on sidewalks, refuse to shut it off on planes,...

In this episode I have a conversation with the one and only Frank Malfitano the founder and  Executive Director of the Syracuse, N.Y. Jazz Fest. We explore Frank's vast musical and cultural experiences and reflect on the impact earlier artists had on the evolution of Rock and Roll, Jazz, and Blues. Artists who's music is just as important and vibrant in today's scene.  Frank is a tr...

In this episode I have a conversation with Stephen Butler the former Executive Director of CNY Arts, actor, and playwriter.  Our conversation touched on the impact the arts have played throughout history. We also discussed the evolution of the creative process through times of crisis, and Stephen's new play.  timothymahar.org

The end of summer tradition, the  New York State Fair. Most states have a fair and in the case of New York it takes place at the end of August and ends on Labor Day.  Once the clock strikes midnight a switch is flipped and it is autumn in New York. The Fair is an annual touchstone of fried food, rides, cows, horses, music, all kinds of exhibitions, sweating people, games and more.  If you it can b...

Almost all jobs whether it be a counter position at fast food restaurant, or CEO, of a large company, coach, university president, plumber etc.. has a description, qualification for the position sought.  They fall into the areas of experience, education, character background, have you ever been convicted of a felony bankrupted a business, because why would you hire them to lead your business. Yet,...

When the government decides they would like to recommend the displaying and telling of history in a narrative that is beneficial to them, it is no longer history, it is propaganda.  Propaganda is intended to communicate a message through multiple platforms attempting to pursued the audience for the benefit of the sender.  When history becomes tainted and fake, we live in a dangerous reality, where...

Here we are in the Dog Days of summer, and as I approach the grocery store with  heat and humidity at 95% I am greeted by a display of ceramic Jack O Lanterns!! What the Hell?? No wonder people say summer a time flies.  We are always looking two months in the future, dictated by advertising and marketing.  Halloween in August, Christmas in October, Valentines Day in December, stop the madness!! Sc...

One of the reasons, an administration will attempt to control universities, media, news, and other messengers is that an informed public is a threat.  Instead of addressing the message, they address the messenger to divert from information they do not want to get out, such as a jobs, report, or other outcomes that are not beneficial to them.  Take away the avenues of information and knowledge then...

Public broadcasting is truly the last bastion of principles, and services to those they reach.  I have always felt that it was on a different plain then the commercial, networks and cable stations.  PBS provides world views, and entertainment, outstanding educational programing through The Children's Television Workshop.  These stations in many regions are the only links to information, and l...

In this episode I have the pleasure of talking with the former Dome Ranger, Dennis Brogan, who was seen roving the court and in the stands for Syracuse University basketball and Football during the glory years of the Big East of the 1980's.  Dennis is a true renaissance man, in addition to being the Dome Ranger, he is an actor, former radio personality, political veteran who onetime held a hi...

Political satire has been around as long as time, from Mark Twain, Will Rogers, and in my life-time, the Smothers Brothers, Rowan and Martin, Laugh-In, Saturday Night Live, all entertaining and informative, it goes hand in glove with politics.  So, when CBS does cower, shrink like pair in a speedo coming out of the cold pool,  and cancel "Late Night with Stephen Colbert" stating it is fo...

From Memorial Day through Labor Day, the outdoor grills come out and cooking outside mostly over a gas fabricated fire is the thing to do here in the Northeastern part of the U.S.  From the time humans were able to control fire some 2 million years ago, outdoor cooking became a survival tool, than through our evolution a  recreational activity.  Make no mistake a man is king when cooking his meat...

There longer are two political parties in this nation.  What was once the Republican Party of Lincoln, Teddy Roosevelt, Eisenhower, and the Bush's is now a movement called MAGA.  Oh yes, there are republican's in title that currently are the majority in the House and Senate, but make no mistake they are controlled by MAGA. They vote for self survival and not the interests of the nation. ...

It seems that forever we have pleaded in the words of John Lennon's song: "All We Are Saying Is Give Peace A Chance," however it does not seem possible and why? Peace is not profitable, it does not feed the greed of few to help many. So, instead of working together as one, to improve all, we have war.  Through the centuries weapons have evolved that can wipe out everyone, and the pl...

Well, it's summer in the great northeastern portion of the United States, and that means we have 90 days to have fun damn it.  Get out the boat, pack the beach, the public pools, be in denial about the pee, (there is not a red ring), fit into last year's bathing suit even if it does not fit! Bumping into sweaty strangers, lathered in sunscreen, golf until you drop!!  Lather up make sure...

We have all heard numerous stories regarding road rage, but let me tell you I believe coffee rage is far more serious.  I had the opportunity stand inside at a drive-thru coffee shop this week, and see the machine at work. There were 20 cars waiting to order, and inside the tension was suffocating. At these coffee shops people order coffee like they are at some five star restaurant, or it's a...

Well, the most powerful man in the world and the riches man in the world have broken up, and not in a pretty way.  This has been a public break-up for the ages, and all in real time for real viewers.  This is reality TV and it's best and worst.  The consequences could be immense, and the ramifications negative for, yes us the citizens.  DOGE may be closed but the balls are flying! timothymaha...

It seems to me everyone is pissed off, whether it is on the road, in the airport, at the store, or the fast food drive thru, the world is pissed.  It seems like anger has become our go to emotion.  Sometimes there are real good reasons to be angry, however in some cases it seems anger has become the norm.  I'm thinking that's not a good thing.  It can be manipulated, if anger is directed...

I have had the pleasure to work at two fine Universities.  Our academic institutions are the epicenters of divers thoughts, research,  creativity and artistic expression. They benefit all in our society beyond their ivory covered walls.  They open minds and the world to us.  When a government steps in and attempts to regulate who is allowed to attend, and what they can learn, it is the ultimate fo...

Before I get any farther let me make it clear I do not support the policies of the current administration on any level.   I am a life long Democrat. Now, having said that I cannot deny that Donald Trump is the greatest political communicator in the history of this country.  One does not overcome all he has and get re-elected to the Presidency without that skill set.  He is a master of persuasion,...

In this episode I would like to share some of the poems I have written. Well, I call them poems, not sure what others may call them.  These are a reflections of the impact that events and people have had on me through the years.  In some way this is my way of sharing my gratitude and hope in the brightest and darkest hours, realizing it is the love of those that cross our paths than makes us who w...

In a day and age when the truth is becoming  a novelty and our leaders can say what ever they want without consequences, we are indeed walking on thin ice.  Those that question the message and check it for accuracy are the called fake and presented as the liar.  The speed of the internet, social media propels a lie at the speed of sound.  This manipulation, false messaging will eventually yield se...