Love Living Local 315

Episode 206: 🌟 This Week’s Local Highlights Love Living Local 315 Golf Tournament is 6 Weeks Away! Goal: Raise $10,000+ for local charities. $25 per golfer goes directly to the charity of their choice. Every business sponsor’s donation is split 50/50 with the charity they select. 🛍️ Where We’ve Been Woodland Brewery (Marcy) – Trivia night, great food (quesadillas, pretzels, steak sandwich, flatbr...

In this episode, we sit down with Anthony Gifune , a fourth-generation entrepreneur out of Rome, NY, who’s help turn his family's 80-year-old lumber business into a full-blown local business empire . From innovating at Rome General Lumber to launching everything from Bain’s Barbell Club to dumpster rentals to Lou’s Bargain Outlet , Anthony is the kind of guy who runs on coffee, hustle, and ze...

Episode 204: 🌟 Weekend Recap Pop-Up with Purpose – Herkimer ARC @ Flawless Salon Free event with local vendors, permanent jewelry, flowers, crepes, mocktails, and punch card prizes. Shoutout to Unhitched and Crepe & Waffles Food Truck for free goodies! Dinner Spots & Takeout Favorites Alamo (Herkimer) – Wing night + authentic Rochester-style garbage plate. Toca Boca – Sunday drink stop tu...

In this episode, we sit down with Amy Spranger , Executive Director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation’s Central New York chapter. Amy shares how a random recruiter email led to a decade-long career advocating for people living with CF—and how this community is like no other . From raising millions for research to helping families navigate treatments, Amy breaks down the real impact of this rare di...

In this episode, we sit down with Kaleb Davis , a Herkimer standout who’s officially committed to run track and field at Utica University —and trust us, this guy’s just getting started. From getting cut from the basketball team to becoming a dominant hurdler with state-level speed, Kaleb shares the full journey of hard work, mindset, and chasing greatness both on the track and in the classroom. Wh...

In this episode, we hang out with Mr. P , aka Jordan Purinton —engineering teacher, yearbook wrangler, video board mastermind, dairy farmer, and everyone’s favorite teacher at Frankfort-Schuyler. With a program that spans four years and sends students off with real college credits (and real-world skills), Jordan’s not just teaching—he’s building future engineers, innovators, and problem-solvers on...

Episode 200: Scott and Kelly celebrate the 200th episode of the Love Living Local 315 podcast by announcing something big: the Putts for a Purpose Charity Golf Outing ! In true Love Living Local fashion, this event isn’t just about golf—it’s about community, giving back, and making a difference right here in the 315. ⛳️ Event Details: Date: Friday, June 27, 2025 Location: Pine Hills Golf Course,...

Episode 199: 🌟 Weekend Recap Consignment Chick (Clinton) Stylish, affordable fashion finds—brand-name jeans for $8 and fancy shoes perfect for weddings or formals. High-end women’s clothing, purses, and housewares. (No men’s section yet!) Pelleteri Joe’s (Utica) Classic Utica vibe and old-school comfort food. Open for food Tuesdays and Saturdays only—don’t miss the sausage & peppers, vodka ri...

In this episode, we chat with Rachel Stewart, the plant-loving, dirt-covered force behind The Plant Stand—Central New York’s mobile houseplant shop that’s got serious vibes. 🌿 From wellness to workshops, pop-ups to pothos, Rachel has created more than just a plant business—she’s created a full-on plant experience that’s rooted in community, creativity, and connection. Whether she’s hauling 250 pl...

Episode 197: 🌟 Weekend Recap Friday Road Trip Adventures Lunch at Ohio Tavern after a quick stop at Haskell’s Bar (Poland area). Fish tacos, fish over greens, great vibe and packed house. Finished the day with a flight at Woodland Brewery . Saturday Shopping & Gifting Unique finds at The Old Wicker Mill (New Hartford Shopping Center) – candles, Jellycat plushies, and more. Stained glass seaso...

Episode 196: In this episode, we sit down with Joram Stephenson , co-founder of Unrivaled Media , who’s flipping the script on content creation in Central New York. From cyber security student to full-blown creative entrepreneur, Joram’s journey is anything but ordinary. He talks about the business lessons learned from launching a clothing brand, producing viral content with purpose, and why story...

Episode 195: 🌟 Weekend Recap Formal Season Fun Connor attended CVA's senior ball – photos at Union Station (great indoor/outdoor photo spot). Local Eats & Drinks Swifty's Restaurant – Great spot for dinner + watching the UCONN women’s game. Bocca Osteria (Cooperstown) – Must-try wood-fired pizza & eggplant panini. Toka Bocca (New Hartford) – Soft opening review: shrimp, greens,...

Episode 194: In this episode, we hang out with Gary Grabinski , the 21-year-old sports photographer behind GGS Photos , who's been blowing up the local sports scene one shot at a time. From picking up a camera during high school JV games to now landing contracts with colleges and high schools , Gary’s built a booming business by combining grit, creativity, and hustle —and he’s completely self...

Episode 193: 🌟 Weekend Recap NYC Concert Trip – Kelly taking Jenna to Radio City Music Hall for a mother-daughter trip. Turning Stone Sportsbook – March Madness tradition with Tyler continues. Solid food, packed energy, and a uniquely fun atmosphere. Live Podcast Teaser – Potential Love Living Local live podcast at Turning Stone on the horizon! Cafe Canole – Utica’s upscale Italian gem. Must-try:...

Episode 192: In this episode, we sit down with the high-energy, all-heart Adrienne Smith, who shares her inspiring journey from TV anchor to Director of Media Relations at Nascentia Health. From chasing dreams in journalism to finding deeper purpose in healthcare, Adrienne opens up about faith, family, community—and why she’s passionate about keeping people cared for in the comfort of their own ho...

Episode 191: 🌞 Weekend Recap Roosters Burgers (Utica) A family favorite with unique burger options like the Rooster, Figgy, and Chopped. Mohawk Valley Association of Realtors Day Love Living Local attended and spotlighted vendors like Phil the Mold Man, Dustin (radon), and Josh Amodio. St. Patrick’s Day Cheers Couple cocktails before Scott’s 72-hour fast! 📺 March Madness NY Rec & Social Club...

Episode 190: In this episode, we sit down with Austin Green , an author, animator, and creator from Little Falls, who is making waves with his new children's book, The Huemon (H-U-E-M-O-N) . This book is more than just a story—it’s a deep, colorful exploration of emotions, identity, and self-awareness , told through a vibrant world of characters who change color based on their moods. Austin s...

Episode 189 - We're back with another exciting weekend in the 315! Listen as Scott and Kelly recap their last week and preview the weekend ahead in CNY. Weekend Recap Wisdom Teeth Surgery & Recovery Connor had all four wisdom teeth extracted by Dr. Flihan in Utica. Dr. Flihan provided excellent post-surgery care and follow-ups. Struggles with food choices for recovery – Thai food from Sun...

Episode 188: In this episode, we sit down with Mark Chieco , attorney, youth sports coach, and former world-class powerlifter, to talk about his love for Utica , his journey into law, and the life lessons he’s learned along the way. From his days at St. John Fisher to building his own law practice, Mark shares how community, hard work, and a fresh perspective have shaped his success. Tune in to he...

Episode 187: In this episode, we’re diving into the fast-growing world of flag football with Jesse Sibley and Kari Stinebrickner from the Mohawk Valley NFL Flag Football League . This league is changing the game for kids ages 5 to 18 , providing a fun, inclusive, and competitive environment that builds teamwork, confidence, and community . If you’re a parent, coach, or just a fan of youth sports,...

Episode 186 - We're back with another exciting weekend in the 315! Listen as Scott and Kelly recap their last week and preview the weekend ahead in CNY. Weekend Recap Trip to Syracuse Catch-up with college friends from St. John Fisher. Dinner at The York (Armory Square) – upscale ambiance, great food. Post-dinner drinks at Hop Spot – microbrews and hidden whiskey room. Breakfast at Funk ‘n Wa...

Episode 185: In this episode, we sit down with Melisa Dervisevic , a family nurse practitioner turned women’s wellness coach , who helps people break free from anxious attachment, build confidence, and step into their most secure, empowered selves. After overcoming her own struggles with self-worth and relationships, Melisa is now on a mission to help others reclaim their inner strength and create...

Episode 184: In this episode, we sit down with Ian McQueeney , a 21-year-old digital storyteller, entrepreneur, and content creator who’s making waves in the world of user-generated content (UGC). Ian shares his journey from being an introverted high schooler to building a thriving career in content creation, working with major brands, and inspiring others to take the leap into the digital space....

Episode 183 - We're back with another exciting weekend in the 315! Listen as Scott and Kelly recap their last week and preview the weekend ahead in CNY. Friday February 14th • Cupid Karaoke at 12 North - 8:30 PM • Cupid's Revenge at Crooked Descent Horror - 7:00 - 10:00 PM • The Winery Comedy Tour at Villa Verona - 7:00 PM Saturday February 15th • 18th Annual Chili Bowl at View Arts Cent...

Episode 182: In this episode, we sit down with Tim Best , the voice behind some of Utica’s biggest sports moments , as he shares his journey from a passionate sports fan to becoming the play-by-play announcer and PA voice for Utica City FC, Utica University, and the Utica Blue Sox . From his early dreams of broadcasting to his current role energizing crowds across multiple sports, Tim gives us a b...