Sounds of Health

In this deeply moving episode of Sounds of Health, we sit down with Jennifer Cretella‑Brown, Executive Director, and Olivia Rooney, Program Manager of Hope After Loss—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating pregnancy and infant loss. Jennifer shares her long connection to the organization and her transition from board member to executive director, while Olivia opens up about the lo...

What does it take to build a brand that people don’t just recognize—but truly love? In this episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven sits down with Jeremy Staub, founder of Box Eight, to explore the art and strategy behind hospitality branding. Jeremy shares his journey from illustrator and pharmaceutical advertising to launching Box Eight, a design studio now shaping restaurant and consume...

In this episode of Sounds of Health, host David MacNiven sits down with Dr. George Lewis, founder and CEO of ZetrOZ Systems, to explore the groundbreaking world of Sustained Acoustic Medicine (sam®). Dr. Lewis shares his journey from a family of engineers to pioneering wearable ultrasound technology that helps millions of arthritis patients, veterans, and athletes manage pain and accelerate recove...

In this inspiring conversation, host David MacNiven welcomes Jane Strong, founder of The Equus Effect, to explore how horses help us reconnect with our bodies, set healthy boundaries, and build authentic relationships. Jane shares her journey from childhood riding and competitive equestrian sports to rediscovering horses decades later as partners in healing. Listeners will discover how equine-assi...

In this heartfelt conversation, host Dave McNiven sits down with Eileen Hansen, Senior Manager of Volunteer Services at Yale New Haven Hospital, and John Carubia, a volunteer patient aid whose own health journey inspired him to give back. Together, they share powerful stories of resilience, the impact of volunteerism, and the connections that transform hospital care. From John’s recovery after car...

What if food assistance felt more like a trip to the market than a last resort? In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Linda Craig and Nancy Stockman of Masters Manna, a Wallingford-based nonprofit transforming how communities experience food support. From grocery-style food pantries and chef-prepared meals to clothing distribution and homebound deliveries, Masters Manna is restoring dignity,...

What starts as a routine day ends in the ER—and sparks a journey of resilience, reinvention, and purpose. In this episode, we sit down with Bill Giaquinto, Founder & Managing Partner of Nutmeg Advisory Group, to hear how a sudden AFib episode led to the discovery of a genetic heart condition and ultimately inspired him to build a thriving financial advisory practice rooted in empathy and mento...

In this heartfelt episode of Sounds of Health, host David MacNiven welcomes Candice Brown, Senior Account Manager at Careforth , to share her personal journey and professional mission to support family caregivers. From becoming a caregiver at age nine after her mother’s accident to leading outreach across Connecticut, Candice brings empathy, insight, and practical guidance to those caring for love...

What if your gym could also be your doctor’s office? In this episode, host David MacNiven sits down with Mike Ranfone, founder of Ranfone Training Systems, and Dr. Marko Lujic, MD, of RTS Health a Yale undergraduate and St. George’s University-trained surgeon who left corporate medicine to help reimagine how we approach health. Together, they share the story of a lifelong friendship turned radical...

This week on Sounds of Health, host Dave welcomes Becca Allen, a licensed clinical social worker and death doula whose work brings compassion, clarity, and community to end-of-life planning. Becca shares her personal and professional journey—from growing up in a family rooted in service to her transformative experiences at Paul Newman’s Hole in the Wall Gang Camp. Through heartfelt stories and pra...

What happens when your career ends—but your curiosity doesn’t? In this deeply personal and inspiring conversation, executive and wellbeing coach Sarah Caliendo returns to Sounds of Health to explore identity, reinvention, and the emotional journey of retirement. From her mother’s post-nursing transformation to her own career pivots, Sarah shares insights on staying resilient, curious, and connecte...

In this heartfelt and empowering conversation, Sarah Caliendo opens up about the emotional toll of caregiving, the pressure of being part of the sandwich generation, and the small but powerful habits that helped her stay grounded through family crises. From sleep and nutrition to emotional acceptance and boundary-setting, Sarah shares practical strategies for building resilience—especially when li...

In this heartfelt and refreshingly candid conversation, attorneys Shari-Lynn Cuomo Shore and Kristen Wolf of Wolf & Shore Law Group share what it really means to “just be a person” in the world of family law. From navigating emotionally charged cases to building trust with clients, they reflect on the human side of legal practice—where empathy, authenticity, and clear communication matter just...

In this energizing episode of Sounds of Health, host David MacNiven welcomes Andrew Martin—health and performance advisor, CEO of Precision Human Optimization, and a passionate voice in the world of personalized wellness. Andrew opens up about his journey from battling autoimmune illness to becoming a leader in cutting-edge health strategies that reverse biological aging and optimize human potenti...

In this energizing episode of Sounds of Health , host Dave MacNiven sits down with Will Boulger, franchise administrator of Gameday Men's Health in Southington, CT. From overcoming personal challenges to building a thriving health-focused business, Will shares his journey of transformation, entrepreneurship, and the power of betting on yourself. Discover how Gameday Men's Health is redefining men’...

In this flavorful episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven sits down with Jason Sobocinski, co-founder of Haven Hot Chicken, to explore how food and storytelling come together to build a brand that’s bold, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in community. From his early days in cheese shops to launching one of Connecticut’s most beloved hot chicken destinations, Jason shares how passion, resilienc...

For decades, Branford Townhouse Restaurant has been more than a place to eat — it’s been a Branford tradition. In this episode, Nontas Groumousas shares the story of how his family’s passion for quality food, fresh food, every day has shaped a beloved community gathering spot. From the early days of the diner to the daily commitment that keeps customers coming back, Nontas opens up about hard work...

On this week’s Sounds of Health , host David MacNiven sits down with Connecticut native John Krause, whose trajectory from sports-management student to commercial-lending entrepreneur was upended by three battles with acute myeloid leukemia. John shares the shock of hearing “you have leukemia” the same week he learned his family was growing to four, how a simple goal to “buy a truck” steered him i...

Live from Hamden Town Center Park, Part 2 of our Hamden Fest 2025 coverage dives deeper into the heart of community connection. From pediatric care and zero-waste fashion to stone countertops shaped like guitars, this episode celebrates the creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Hamden thrive. Join host Dave and producer Jason as they chat with: 00:00:00 What are good neighbo...

Live from Hamden Town Center Park, this special episode kicks off our all-day coverage of Hamden Fest 2025—an annual celebration of local businesses, nonprofits, and changemakers who make Hamden thrive. Despite the drizzle, the energy was electric as we welcomed guests from Linens of Love, The Nest School, Haven of Hope, Quinnipiac University, and more. Join hosts Jason Carubia and Dave MacNiven a...

In this heart-centered episode, Dave MacNiven sits down with Steve Terreri, Vice President and Executive Director of the Paul Dostie KARE Foundation, to share a story that proves kindness reverberates far beyond the moment it’s given. Created in memory of master mechanic and community pillar Paul Dostie, the foundation has turned grief into action—raising over $300,000 to help families facing glio...

What started as a folder labeled Gymspiration on Nate McKenzie’s phone—filled with 20 years of notes and snapshots from climbing gyms—has transformed into Ascent New Haven, a vibrant hub for movement, wellness, and human connection. In this episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven talks with Nate about his journey from retail leadership to outdoor guide, and ultimately to creating one of Co...

🐾 Episode 51: Veterinary Medicine Is About the People Featuring Dr. Carolyn Gross & Dr. Jennifer Lansdowne of CareFur Veterinarians This week on Sounds of Health, Dr. Carolyn Gross and Dr. Jennifer Lansdowne share the story behind CareFur Veterinarians, a woman-led clinic in Madison, CT that’s redefining what it means to care — for pets, their people, and the broader community. From Bennifer-...

Episode 50: See Ability — A Dementia Positive Philosophy Guests: Erica DeFrancesco & Stella | LiveWell In this heartfelt and hopeful episode, host Dave MacNiven sits down with Erica DeFrancesco, Director of Community Education at LiveWell, and Stella, a volunteer living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, to share how dignity, purpose, and community can thrive beyond diagnosis. Together, they explor...

Episode 49 – Keep Kids in the Game, Keep the Fields Alive Guest: Rick Stockfield, Founder & President, 3 Up 3 Down Organization, Inc. In this inspiring episode of Sounds of Health, host David MacNiven sits down with Rick Stockfield, the passionate founder of 3 Up 3 Down Organization, Inc.—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth baseball, empowering children with developmental disabilities, a...