Hey Stamford! Podcast

Jaime Baumann, LCSW, MSEd of the Child Guidance Center of Southern Connecticut joins the podcast to discuss youth mental health in Stamford, local resources for families, and the mission of the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance — a coalition launched in 2022 by Caroline Simmons that now unites more than 35 organizations working to improve mental health support for Stamford’s children and teens...

In this special Mother’s Day episode of the Hey Stamford! Podcast, I’m joined by my mom for a fun, heartfelt conversation about family, motherhood, and growing up in Stamford. We talk about her 45-year career as a paraeducator at Newfield School, memories of Stamford through the decades, her dreams of acting and dancing — including performing on the legendary Ed Sullivan Show — and what I was real...

In this episode, we sit down with Jen Turano and Joseph M. Pasquino, Licensed Real Estate Brokers with Compass, to break down current trends, pricing, inventory, and what buyers and sellers need to know right now. From low inventory and rising demand to shifting buyer behavior, we cover what’s driving the market—and how to navigate it whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or simply stay informed. Y...

Dr. Maggie Young, Stamford’s 2026 Citizen of the Year, joins the podcast to share her 40+ years of impact in recovery and mental health across Stamford, CT. As Chief Recovery Officer at Liberation Programs, Dr. Young has helped shape addiction treatment, prevention, and family-centered care—supporting thousands of individuals and families throughout Stamford and Fairfield County. In this episode,...

Stamford’s first half marathon in over 30 years is here. AJ Schrag — coach, hybrid athlete, and co-founder of Stamford Run Club — joins the podcast to talk about the upcoming Stamford Run Club 5K, 10K & Half Marathon at Mill River Park on April 19, 2026. We discuss the rise of run clubs, why running is more accessible than people think, and how this event is bringing the Stamford community tog...

There’s been a lot of conversation in Stamford around potential leadership changes at Westhill High School and within Stamford Public Schools. In this episode, we sit down with Westhill Principal Michael Rinaldi to talk about what’s happening, what the community should understand, and what it means for students and families. This is a community-focused conversation aimed at bringing clarity — not...

In this episode, Scott Dolch, President & CEO of the Connecticut Restaurant & Hospitality Association, breaks down the organization’s recent rebrand and what it means for Connecticut’s $21 billion hospitality industry. From restaurants and hotels to workforce development and tourism, we explore how the industry is evolving and what’s ahead. If you’re a local business owner, hospitality pro...

Melissa Sheketoff is the host and executive producer of Melissa in the Morning on WICC 600AM / 959FM. In this episode, she shares her inspiring journey from intern to the youngest and first female morning host in WICC’s nearly 100-year history. Melissa opens up about her time in television and radio, how she prepares for interviews, and the skills that make her one of Connecticut’s most respected...

Join us on the Hey Stamford! Podcast with Stamford native Jean Gabriel, co-owner and chef of Soul Tasty — recently named one of Connecticut Magazine’s Top Restaurants for 2026. Jean shares his journey from cooking in his mom’s kitchen to studying in Italy, working with celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez, competing on CHOPPED, and opening Soul Tasty. Hear the inspiration behind this Stamford soul food st...

In this episode, we sit down with Melissa Mulrooney, CEO of the Stamford Museum & Nature Center, to reflect on her more than 20 years of leadership and the legacy she leaves behind. Melissa shares how the Stamford Museum & Nature Center has grown into one of Stamford’s most dynamic cultural institutions, spanning art, history, and nature across its 118-acre campus. We discuss major milesto...

Season 2 of the Hey Stamford! Podcast kicks off with an exciting guest, Mayor Caroline Simmons, Stamford’s first female mayor. We discuss city growth, housing affordability, small business support, infrastructure, and what’s next for Stamford. Hear her insights on leadership, her second term priorities, and the vision shaping the future of our city. Follow Mayor Caroline Simmons on Instagram, clic...

Connecticut’s first-ever Chief Marketing Officer, Anthony M. Anthony, joins the show to talk about building the Connecticut brand from the ground up. As the state’s top marketer, he’s leading bold initiatives that celebrate local pride—like declaring Connecticut the Pizza Capital of the U.S., launching creative tourism trails, and shining a spotlight on communities like Stamford. We explore how st...

In this episode, we sit down with Joel Jeske and Shereen Hickman to hear about their journeys through acting, Clown College, the circus, and Cirque du Soleil — and the magic they bring each year to Holiday Wish Express here in Stamford. Joel Jeske is a three-time Drama Desk–nominated actor, writer, teacher, director, and multi-disciplinary clown, with creations for Ringling Bros., Cirque du Soleil...

On this episode of the Hey Stamford! Podcast, we sit down with hometown creative Mike Squires—filmmaker, storyteller, and entrepreneur—whose journey took him from making soccer and comedy videos on YouTube to directing music videos, launching his own business, and collaborating with some of the biggest names in entertainment, including Mr. Beast and famously turning down a job offer from Jelly Rol...

In this episode, we sit down with Michael Marchetti, owner of Columbus Park — a beloved Stamford dining institution. Michael shares stories from behind the kitchen, his deep ties to the community, and his work supporting local events and organizations. Tune in to hear how one restaurateur is serving up more than just great food in Stamford. ------ The Hey Stamford! Podcast is proudly sponsored by:...

Michael Moore, the new President of Stamford Downtown, joins us to talk about the future of the city’s most dynamic district. From housing growth and small business support to event programming and pedestrian-friendly spaces, we explore what’s next for Stamford’s city center. With 25+ years of urban development experience, Michael shares his vision for building a vibrant, livable, and connected do...

What happens when you leave the corporate grind to run a local diner—and turn it into a viral sensation? John Moshos did just that. From jaw-dropping milkshakes to burgers that break the internet, he’s behind one of Stamford’s most talked-about spots, featured on Food Network, The Cooking Channel, and countless influencer feeds. We talk about building a brand, embracing social media, expanding to...