Understanding Upstate

The big 100th episode is here! Come take a guided tour with the fellas as they take a stroll through the Upstate institution Wegmans in Brooklyn. There's so much excitement awaiting...enjoy it! Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

That's right folks...we are taking a step back in time to one of our classic episodes. We are revisiting the Upstate grocery store institution, Wegmans. Grab your coupons and come enjoy it! Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week, we had the honor and privilege to sit down (virtually) and talk with Nick Parisi, the president of the Rod Serling Foundation. Learn all about Rod's legacy, the Twilight Zone, the statue in Rec Park and of course, why you should DEFINITELY be in attendance for SerlingFest 2025! Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Get your barrels ready to head over the Niagara Falls with this one Spiedie Freaks and Rattlesnake Pete's! We've got a scientific and cultural breakdown of one of Upstate New York's most majestic landmarks! Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week we take a look at a pivotal time leading up to the Civil Rights Movement in America, the Niagara Movement. Get out your notebooks, folks, we've got a lot of gems here for you! Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week we take a dip in the refreshing waters of Saratoga Springs and tap into what makes this city great. From bottled water to a bounty of horse racing and botched runaway attempts we'll satiate your thirst for all things Saratoga Springs! Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week we're swinging back through Binghamton to check out Zoo number two on Understanding Upstate, and learn all about the FIFTH zoo to ever open in the United States: Ross Park Zoo. As ever, this zoo does not disappoint, and makes for a wild episode. Zets! As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and toss in your sugge...

This week we pack up our VW bus and head to Upstate, NY as we examine the groovy time that was had at Woodstock. While the festival looms large as a definitive moment in pop culture history, the festival almost didn't happen, several times! So hitch a ride as we dive into the iconic Woodstock music festival! As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, wr...

This week we debut a new episode format as we survey the great city of Ithaca, NY. From it's rowdier days when it was known as "Gamora", to it's unfortunate typhoid boom, and everything else in between, Jim and Rob get to the bottom of what makes Ithaca a gem in Upstate NY's crown. As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rating, write a positive review and t...

This week we take a trip to visit the oldest state fair in the United States, that s right we're headed to the Great New York State Fair! We cover a LOT of ground this episode, from Dairy Queens, to daredevils, and derechos, Rob and Jim examine what makes this fair so great. Miraculously, they also have stumbled upon a topic that can only be rivaled by canals when it comes to Rob's fanatic...

This week we take a look at Oneonta's own, Paul Reubens, and learn all about the man behind Pee-wee Herman, and then some! Paul's career touched so many corners of Hollywood and pop culture that we're get into a veritable truck load of things on this episode. From Cyndi Lauper, to Zsa Zsa Gabor, to the Guys Choice awards, we cast a wide net to capture the full arc of Paul Reubens' career. As alway...

Wether you call it Cornell Chicken, State Fair Chicken, Baker's Chicken, or Fireman's Chicken, one thing remains true: it's one tasty bird. Join Jim and Rob as they learn about BBQ Bob and his novel approach to basting a tasty bird, which has gone on to be a staple of Upstate grilling for over 70 years. As always, if you want to suggest a topic for future episode, leave us a 5 star rat...

This week Jim and Rob make good on the promise that if a Spiedie Freak or Rattlesnake Pete recommends an Upstate topic, they just might do an episode on it. So let's all take a trip to the majestic Stanley Theater in Utica, NY and bask in the glory of it's marvelous staircase (seriously, it's one of the finest set of stairs you'll set your eyes or feet on). Then we'll pop next...

This week we take a look at the granddaddy of Buffalo's regional delicacies: Beef on Weck. This hefty sandwich has been keeping upstaters stuffed and full for well over a hundred years. We'll get to the bottom of what has made Beef on Weck a staple of Western New York's offerings. Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week we're taking a look at the infamous Attica Prison Uprising that occurred in 1971. From the conditions that led to the initial uprising, the negotiations, and the events that culminated in an eventual (but avoidable) massacre, we'll take a look at the events that occurred at Attica Prison and it's lasting impact. Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week Jim and Rob take a trip down memory lane to two prisoner's almost month long escape from Upstate NY's Clinton Correctional Facility that gripped the nation. As always, there's plenty of twists and turns, and somehow TWO jailbreak birthdays. Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week we're cranking it up to 10 as we head to Binghamton, NY to look at the hifi and audio innovator and manufacturer McIntosh Labs. From Woodstock to your grandpa's den, McIntosh has helped pump out the jams across the world for over 70 years with their incredible (and amazingly expensive) amps. So step into the world of audiophile technology and learn all about this upstate gem! Gra...

This week Jim and Rob learn all about Rochester's former NBA team, the Rochester Royals. From their rise to NBA Champions to their fall in attendance that lead to their move out of NY, we'll jump into the regal history of this once great Upstate team. Jim is performing 5/30 in Binghamton at Walterpalooza: ⁠get tickets here⁠ Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

This week Jim and Rob sit down with Binghamton native, rapper, artist, and activist, Theodore, to talk about his journey into music and activism in the crown jewel of the Southern Tier. Learn more about Theodore and his projects: https://linktr.ee/theodoresounds Jim is performing 5/30 in Binghamton at Walterpalooza: ⁠get tickets here⁠ Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Zip UP your hoodie and join us as we head to Rochester, NY to learn all about the true champions of athletic wear: Champion. From sports bras, to hoodies, and mesh jerseys, Champion has been innovating sportswear and influencing fashion for over a century. Jim is performing 5/30 in Binghamton at Walterpalooza: get tickets here Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Batter UP! We've got another episode looking at one of Upstate NY's beloved sports institutions, and this time we're headed to Rochester to learn all about their Minor League Baseball Team, the Red Wings. Jim and Rob get to the bottom of what has kept the Wings swinging for over a century with a few surprises along the way. Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Sit back, relax, and uncork a fine bottle of wine as we travel the Seneca Lake Wine Trail this week! We'll give you a taste of the region's history and development as New York's premier destination for all things wine (that's right Long Island, your wine can take a HIKE). Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Un...

This week we take a look at one of the greatest to ever call Buffalo home, the Grammy winning Jazz legend, Grover Washington, Jr. Join us as we take a look at his long career and learn about his lasting impact on not just Jazz but pop music and hip-hop. Grab Jim's comedy album:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Upstate Understandings⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

Our month of music continues as we turn back to the crown jewel of the Triple Cities: Binghamton, NY, and chat with hip-hop artist, Blizz The Illest. Blizz chops it up about his music career and what it's been like to represent Binghamton as a rapper and how the music and arts scene has grown there in the last few years. Check out Blizz's videos on YouTube . Follow Blizz on IG: @blizztheii...

Today we're back in Buffalo to talk about one of the city's most important cultural institutions: The Colored Musicians Club. Not only was The Colored Musicians Club a hub for the black musicians of Buffalo, but it also provided a venue for buffalo musicians to regularly mingle and jam with the likes of Billie Holiday and Nat King Cole. Tune up and tune in cause we've got a great one f...