The Good Stuff by Bright Sighted

After 25 years of meeting thousands of people, one thing has become clear: everyone has a story worth telling. Kristi Gustafson Barlette joins The Good Stuff to share memorable moments from her career, the people who've left a lasting impression, and why she still believes the Capital Region is full of stories waiting to be discovered. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and interviewee background 02:11 T...

Storytime with Jamie Parillo of The Saratoga Springs History Museum Saratoga Springs was once a playground for millionaires, gamblers, and scandals hidden in plain sight. We're joined by Jamie Parillo, Executive Director of The Saratoga Springs History Museum, to dig into the Gilded Age stories must people walk right past today. From the Canfield Casino and its secret gambling signals, to Milliona...

Every child deserves the change to experience summer camp, but for many families, cost can be a barrier. Thanks to a partnership that's been growing for more than 30 years, Stewart's Shops and the Saratoga Regional YMCA are helping make summer camp possible for hundreds of local kids through scholarships and community support. In this episode, Allison D'Antonio, CEO of the Saratoga Regional YMCA,...

After years of unexplained health issues, Jennie Jabaut discovered mold was making her family sick. Today, she and her specially trained mold detection dog, Maggie, help families uncover hidden mold that traditional inspections often miss. Hear how one family's struggle became a mission to help others find answers. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Maggie and her unique role 01:59 Jennie's personal...

The best weekends usually start with a text that says, "You in?" What started as a few friends getting together for runs, bike rides, workouts, and outdoor adventures has quickly grown into one of the Capital Region's most talked-about communities. The Winners Circle is built around a simple idea: life is more fun when you do it with other people. Through group runs, fitness events, coffee meetups...

On this week's episode, we have Sara Kelly of Practical Hug in the studio as a guest host, interviewing Kateri and Cody Sargen of Aisling Farms! They share the story of how the farm they started in 2019 in Michigan has been thriving now in Greenfield Center, on the land that dates back 8 generations in Cody's family. Chapter: 00:00 Introduction and Farm Background 01:20 Farm History and Historical...

Learning From the Kids Who Dance Like Nobody's Watching In Part 2 of our conversation with Mary Beth of The Dance Lab Saratoga, we talk about confidence, dance, social media, and why creating spaces where people can simply be themselves matters now more than ever. Chapters: 00:00 The Evolution of Dance in Social Media 03:01 The Importance of Hard and Soft Skills 06:04 The Role of Dance in Personal...

Learn key swimming safety tips for parents to ensure their children enjoy a safe summer in the pool. Essential insights for every caregiver. As summer rolls in, many families are excited to spend time by the pool or at lakes and rivers. However, with this joy comes the responsibility of ensuring children’s safety around water. In this post, we’ll discuss vital swimming safety tips that every paren...

How The Dance Lab became a community of 600 dancers. Mary Beth is the founder of The Dance Lab in Saratoga Springs, where she has built a studio centered on joy over competition and creating a space where dancers can feel like themselves. After years of working in accounting while continuing to teach dance on the side, she reached a point where she decided to fully step into what she had always wa...

She’s usually behind the camera, but this week we’re putting Renee in front of it. After earning her master’s in Entertainment and Media Management from Ithaca College, Renee found her way to Bright Sighted. She shares what it’s been like bringing this show to life behind the scenes, coaching talent and guiding interviews, and what it’s like to redefine yourself while living in your hometown. Chap...

Healing started the moment I stopped isolating myself. If you’ve ever felt dismissed by doctors, overwhelmed by stress, or like you’re navigating your family’s health alone, this episode will hit home. Logan Springs of @Consciously Curly sits down with the founders of The Outlet to share raw stories of cancer survival, obesity, anxiety, and burnout and how the Capital Region is redefining wellness...

Saratoga YMCA CEO Allison D’Antonio “The Y brings people together, and what they do with it is everything.” Saratoga YMCA CEO Allison D’Antonio shares how that connection turns into real impact across the 518, where kids grow confidence, families find support, and everyday moments quietly build something bigger. This episode is sponsored by Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region. Nominate someon...

How to Craft a Winning Podcast Elevator Pitch. Start by answering these 3 questions: What is your show? Who is it for? Why does it matter? Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast Contest 02:52 Crafting the Perfect Elevator Pitch 05:49 Understanding Your Audience and Purpose 09:11 Real-Life Pitch Examples 11:57 Student Spotlight: Art and Inspiration 15:12 Contest Details and Community Engagemen...

Have you heard of the Saratoga Springs Facebook group with more than 50,000 members? It’s where locals swap recommendations, share insider events, find fellow dog walkers, and connect with others in the area. Over time, it has become a living database of insider knowledge, just as helpful for lifelong residents as it is for newcomers trying to find their footing. In this episode, we sit down with...

How do you balance a full-time career in law enforcement with leading a 10-week community fundraising mission that mobilizes an entire region? Saratoga Springs Police Lieutenant Angela McGovern shares how she’s stepping into the Visionary of the Year campaign with Blood Cancer United. While balancing her role in law enforcement, Angela is organizing creative community events, building partnerships...

Finding Purpose beyond Perfection. High schooler Shreya Sharath shares what it has meant to grow up surrounded by support, opportunities, and expectations as she figures out who she wants to become. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Shreya and Girls Inc. 01:46 Shreya's Journey with Girls Inc. 07:04 The Impact of Community and Support 08:57 Shreya's Writing Journey: The Hidden Realm 17:59 Founding Gle...

Life isn’t always neat, and neither is camp. This week, Daniel, Camp Director at Camp Stomping Grounds, shares how kids build resilience, problem-solving skills, and self-confidence by taking risks and making mistakes. Summer at Camp Stomping Ground is a little messy, a lot of fun, and full of life lessons. When kids are encouraged to jump in, explore, and sometimes stumble, they discover independ...

After losing her son, Heather Straughter cofounded Jake’s Help From Heaven with her husband, Brian Straughter. Together, they have built a nonprofit that has raised over $2 million to provide resources and support to families with children facing complex medical needs. The organization offers funding for adaptive equipment, medical travel, assistive technology, and essential supplies. Helping to f...

Inspired by her family’s southern-style comfort cooking, Allie B has now brought her mac and cheese to stores across the capital region and beyond. She shares with us her journey of balancing a family while building a business, and the importance of giving back to her community that supports her.  To find out more: https://www.alliebscozykitchen.com/ https://alliebsrestaurants.com/ Chapters: 00:00...

What does it take to start something new and put yourself out there? Pat shares his journey from a fun side project, visiting diners and sharing their stories, to building a social media platform that is bringing life back to local diners. Along the way, he talks about imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and the fear of failing, and how he learned to fail forward and embrace opportunity. For Pat the re...

Ashli Fragomeni, CEO of Girls Inc. of the Greater Capital Region, leads one of the longest-running girls’ leadership organizations in the country, helping girls become strong, smart, and bold. Girls Inc. offers a variety of free programs designed to support girls at every stage of development. These include Eureka!, Ignite!, after-school programs in Albany, Schenectady, Troy, and Poughkeepsie, and...

Ed Mitzen shares his inspiring journey of using business skills for social good through the Business for Good Foundation. Discover how systemic change, community engagement, and innovative programs are transforming lives in Albany and beyond. This episode is sponsored by Girls Inc. of the Greater Capitol Region.

Sometimes the good stuff really is that simple. In this episode, Maeve joins us with her mom to share the unforgettable moment she spun a neighborhood Halloween prize wheel and somehow landed on a PlayStation 5. From the shock on her face to the laughter and disbelief around her, it is a sweet and funny retelling of a night that instantly became a core memory. It is a joyful reminder of childhood...

Nick Armstrong, owner of Armstrong Plumbing, joins The Good Stuff by Bright Sighted to share how Halloween became his favorite way to give back to the community. What started as decorating a van turned into a full-on neighborhood celebration complete with games, a spin wheel, glow sticks, candy, and prizes where every kid walks away a winner. Nick reflects on the importance of creating joyful memo...

Mary Jane Hansen joins Spencer for a thoughtful conversation about theater as a place where community and creativity meet. She reflects on her path as a writer and director, the joy of bringing original stories to life, and the inspiration behind The Baker Street Adventuress, an original play developed with iTheatre Saratoga that explores how Sherlock Holmes found new life through early radio and...