Good Neighbor Podcast: Bergen

A single call can flip a calm afternoon into panic: a “grandchild” in trouble, a “bank” warning of fraud, a “government agent” demanding payment. We break down how those moments are engineered—fear, urgency, and trust—and share a practical, repeatable way to shut scams down before they drain savings. Connie Deveaux of Assisted Living Advisors returns to unpack the $3.4B senior scam surge reported...

Ever wonder what happens when frustration turns into innovation? Gregg Gruber and his wife found themselves struggling to find quality grooming for their Australian Labradoodle—a common pain point for many pet parents. After multiple disappointing experiences with both traditional and mobile groomers, they finally discovered Zoomin' Groomin'. The difference was immediate and striking—the...

Breast cancer affects one in eight women in their lifetime, and the journey doesn't end with treatment. In this deeply informative conversation, Dr. David Abramson brings 25 years of specialized experience to explain the full spectrum of breast reconstruction options available to cancer survivors. Dr. Abramson breaks down the two primary approaches to reconstruction after mastectomy: implant-...

Ever wondered what makes therapy actually work? Dr. Kaley Gerstley peels back the curtain on the therapeutic relationship that drives healing in our conversation on the Good Neighbor Podcast. With her doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania and over a decade in mental health, Dr. Gerstley brings both expertise and warmth to a profession that's rapidly evolving. The pandemic transformed...

The magic of music starts early. Just ask Miss Carly, whose four-month-old students instinctively rock back and forth when her guitar begins to strum. That's the beauty of what she's created with Saddle River Song – music and movement classes where the youngest children discover their natural musical abilities. As a classically trained clarinetist with degrees from Eastman School of Musi...

What happens when marketing expertise meets a passion for movement? Brooke Centrella's journey from corporate media planner to owner of Pilates in Motion studio reveals the transformative power of following your calling—and helping others reconnect with their bodies along the way. Brooke discovered Pilates years ago while seeking relief from equestrian injuries. The method so profoundly chang...

Tired of the same old golf outings focused solely on networking and competition? Join us as we discover an entirely new approach to enjoying the game with Zena Spevak, founder of Fairway Retreats. Zena reveals how her passion project evolved from casual golf meetups with friends into a thriving business creating curated getaway experiences specifically designed for women golfers. Unlike traditiona...

Dr. Taylor Eliades takes us on her journey from a braces-wearing child to the owner of Aster Orthodontics, a brand-new practice in Franklin Lakes. Unlike many who dread dental appointments, Dr. Taylor fondly recalls her childhood orthodontist experience as "enjoyable" – a feeling she now aims to recreate for her own patients. The conversation delves into what drives healthcare profession...

What does therapy really look like beyond the stereotypical image of lying on a couch while someone silently takes notes? In this illuminating conversation, licensed clinical social worker Liandra Aptekar Hamburg introduces us to the power of solution-focused therapy and why quick fixes rarely lead to lasting change. Liandra brings eleven years of clinical experience to her virtual practice servin...

Ever feel like your computer is deliberately trying to sabotage your day? You're not alone. In this conversation with tech expert Andy Blecher, we uncover the surprisingly simple solutions to those maddening computer problems that leave most of us ready to throw our laptops out the window. Andy shares the journey that led him to create Top Tier Computer Support after witnessing countless peop...

Ever wonder how powerful storytelling can transform lives across generations? Join host Doug Drohan as he interviews Cynthia Affinito, founder of Historical Speakers for Seniors, who reveals the fascinating intersection of education, entertainment, and cognitive wellness for older adults. After 32 years of teaching world history, Cynthia recognized a significant gap in educational programming for...

Struggling with sleep? You're not alone. In this eye-opening conversation with certified sleep science coach and licensed clinical social worker Keri Cooper, we uncover the profound connection between quality sleep and virtually every aspect of our wellbeing. Drawing from her 25 years of experience as a therapist, Keri explains how she consistently observed sleep quality directly affecting he...

Looking for a unique addition to your next party or event? Earnest Neal of DonutNV might have exactly what you're looking for. As the franchise owner of this mobile donut experience in Paramus, Earnest brings freshly-made mini donuts directly to your doorstep. What makes DonutNV special isn't just the product – it's the experience. Unlike traditional donut shops where pastries are m...

Marketing your business successfully isn't just about being found—it's about creating trust and meaningful connections with potential customers. In this enlightening conversation, Avivit Fisher, owner of REdD Strategy marketing consultancy, shares powerful insights on how local businesses can rise above the noise in today's competitive marketplace. "Relationships are the number...

When chlorinated pools wreaked havoc on her competitive swimmer daughter's sensitive skin, Evelien Zonneveld turned frustration into innovation. After trying countless commercial products that only made things worse, this Dutch-born Closter mom took matters into her own hands, creating what would become Swimmers Block Bar - a line of all-natural skincare specifically formulated for swimmers....

Tired of missing your own parties while stuck behind the grill or frantically refilling ice buckets? Christine Lanza, founder of Party Professionals, shares the solution to the number one party-hosting problem: the host never gets to enjoy the celebration. Christine's journey into professional event support began as a side gig while working full-time as a single mom. What started as weekend s...

What happens when creative passion meets entrepreneurial spirit? Kristen Donofrio's journey from corporate marketing professional to celebrated balloon artist reveals the unexpected paths our careers can take when we follow our curiosity. The founder of Mamafrio Celebrations transformed a frustrating experience assembling an Amazon balloon arch for her daughter's birthday during COVID in...

What happens when psychology, project management expertise, and a knack for organization come together? The answer lies in the transformative work of Cheryl Bock, founder of CBOrganizing, who joins us to reveal how professional organizing extends far beyond tidying up spaces—it's about creating peace of mind and emotional wellbeing. Cheryl unpacks the fascinating intersection between our phys...

The walls around us tell stories, but sometimes they need a fresh chapter. That's where professional painting comes in, transforming spaces with expertise that goes far beyond simply applying color to a surface. Christopher Hagen, owner of Paint It All Professional Painting Services in Fair Lawn, NJ, joins us to share insights from his 11-year career in the painting industry. Having recently...

From center stage to center stage of her own business, Jessica Loscalzo brings her professional dance background to The Dance Bag, Bergen County's premier dance retail destination now located in Paramus Park Mall.  Jessica's journey began as a 14-year-old professional dancer who eventually competed on Season 2 of "So You Think You Can Dance" before touring with various artists....

What does it mean to be a "unicorn" in the aesthetics industry? For Heinny   Severini, owner of Purpose Aesthetix  at Glam Studios in Norwood, NJ, it means bringing 18 years of nursing expertise into a field often criticized for prioritizing quick cosmetic fixes over genuine health and wellbeing. During our enlightening conversation, Heinny  shares her remarkable journey from hospital be...

Bootstrapping a business takes more than just passion—it demands planning, resources, and support. That's what Kimberly Pangaro discovered through her remarkable journey from struggling single mother to successful entrepreneur and nonprofit leader. On this enlightening episode, Kim reveals how her personal brand "Atomic Mommy" evolved from a simple parenting blog to a digital publis...

Imagine achieving the equivalent of 20,000 crunches in just 30 minutes or finally eliminating that stubborn cellulite that no amount of exercise seems to touch. These aren't fantasy scenarios but real possibilities with today's cutting-edge body contouring technologies. Dr. David Abramson, a leading plastic surgeon serving northern New Jersey and New York City, returns to break down two...

Discover the profound impact a doula can have on your birth experience with Lizzy Moati, a multilingual fitness doula serving Bergen County and surrounding areas. Lizzy shares her journey from personal experiences with childbirth to becoming a certified doula who bridges the gap between medical care and emotional support during pregnancy and delivery. "Your relationship with your child starts...

Carolyn Ingledue brings twenty years of massage therapy expertise and a fascinating personal journey to this enlightening conversation about healing through touch and sound. As the founder of Serenity Fix Wellness, she offers a unique blend of traditional massage techniques and innovative sound therapy that addresses stress at its physiological source. The discussion takes a deep dive into Kita so...