Positive Blatherings Podcast

She's a PR professional in Rochester...she's a performer...she is the leader of a Merry Band of Millennials. She is Dresden Engle and she joins Fitz to discuss creativity, positivity and life.

January 30, 2019 I quit drinking alcohol and my life has been absolutely amazing since. I didn't think I could do it but in this episode I do a quick reflection - talk about a drinking dream and also tease my 1 year anniversary of the Blathering.

She started her own non profit organization that helps build schools and clinics in Kenya. She is a Phd student studying Immunology and she hasn't even reached the milestone of 30! Have a conversation with Daphne Pariser and discover how she became such a doer and positive force in our world.

Hillary Olson is the new President and CEO of the Rochester Museum and Science Center and she brings with her so much energy and positivity, I just had to share it with as many people as I could. Listen as she talks about her love for all things science and how her passion for learning became a career.

Jose Peo was brought to my attention by a friend of mine who works with Jose. Once I learned Jose's story I wanted to have him on the show. Learn about his name, his history and his future, plus how he can rock a purple suit and look good doing it while running for Rochester City Council.

From Rochester to Nashville - Alyssa is a powerhouse, multitalented and gifted young artist with an old soul. It's always fun to have her in studio and she brought her guitar, playing two new songs!

Todd Youngman is a comedian's comedian. He's also a super nice guy, a family man and he's not dumb. Find out why everyone just absolutely loves Todd Youngman. If you don't love him by the end of this episode, you get a refund.

Author of This Naked Mind: Control Alcohol and The Alcohol Experiment, Annie Grace is a positive force in this world. Annie took her desire to quit drinking and turned it into a movement, one that has helped me personally so I had to Blather with her. Join us in discussion Annie's journey to a life without alcohol and her Moment of Clarity. www.thisnakedmind.com

Connie Lee has taken her pain and made it work for her. If you need inspiration, check her out at ConnieLeeFitness.com - she will make you anew. Listen to how she took adversity and life's curveballs and hit a home run!

Episode 57: Erin Jensen is my first repeat guest! She's back with the very inspiring and interesting story behind her new book, Benevolent.

Alex Ferrari is a filmmaker and founder of Indie Film Hustle, an online resource for indie filmmakers. Actually, it's way more than that. It has expanded to a streaming service available on many platforms. Alex is now releasing his first book! It's about his experiences as a young filmmaker being hired to shoot a movie for people with...let's just say...somewhat shady connections. Buy the book her...

You might have heard him do is own restaurant commercials on the radio or perhaps you're smart enough to have visited Itacate Mexican Bar and Taqueria. I am fortunate to have crossed paths with Jose Abarca through my work in radio. We have opposing political views, but we see eye to eye about family, the importance of faith and treating others with respect.

Hélène Biandudi Hofer has the kind of personality that makes you smile and tell her your life's story. From Ohio, Hélène knew at a very young age that she wanted to tell stories. Now, she tells the stories of people who don't often get a chance to. Join us for this Blathering about gratitude, professionalism and learning to communicate in our complex social environment.

Dawn Kellogg has a stories career in and around the theatre. From Lester, NY to the West End of London, Dawn has worked with some of the finest talents in the business. Rochester, NY is lucky to claim her as the Communications Manager for Geva Theatre Center.

Allison Roberts comes from a family of artists and inspires me with her wit and positive outlook on a daily basis...even if it is mostly on Facebook. She is also the Co-Founder and Director of Impact Interactive. www.impactinteractive.org

Juan Vazquez is one of those guys who can walk in a room and have a conversation with anyone. We talk about how having many different related skills can make you an invaluable asset to your employer.

Ottavia Marlo is one of those friends who you see doing things and you think to yourself, "How did she just DO that?" She's an actress, a vocalist, a fitness model and English teacher (cue the Van Halen Song) and she hung out with me to Blather about reinvention, Italian style!

The story of Carole King comes to life on stage at the Rochester Auditorium Theatre Jan 22-27. Dylan S. Wallach co-stars as Gerry Goffin, husband and songwriting parter of Carole King. We talk about the show, his life as an actor and his positive approach to the craft.

This conversation started out like a typical Blathering - but ended up somewhere way far away from where I thought. The subject of human trafficking and one man's love for a woman - or is it all just a scam?

Mae Fox has dedicated her life to healing. Not just the body, but the soul and the spirit as well. She has recently contributed to a book available online titled "Heart and Soul: Living a Love-Filled, Spirit-Guided, Consciously-Created Life. Mae's chapter is titled 'Removing the Sword'.

Beth Adams is a trusted voice in Rochester Media. Her career has taken many turns but she feels she is exactly where she needs to be. Her talent as a radio host and journalist came through in this interview as she managed to interview me a little bit, which was quite the honor. Beth talks about the balance of life and career and how spirituality and positivity play an important role in her life.

Craig Simmons became known as "Spazman" in the ring. As a pro wrestler, he saw the ins and outs of the business. He learned how to hone his creativity and use it to do good. An auto-immune disease cut his wrestling career short, but he is not short on charm, talent, drive or positivity.

Lori Bajorek goes after what she wants. She's been on top and hit just about rock bottom and through it all she has a laser focus on her end goal. She has produced films and theatre because it's what she wanted to do - and nobody was going to tell her no!

"Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me." If we've evolved at all as a society, we should have figured out that words absolutely do matter and they matter a great deal. Evan Dawson of WXXI News knows how words can affect the world around us. Listen to this mindful Blathering...

Deanna King might author the Cynical Mother blog, but that doesn't mean she's a cynic. She speaks her mind, sees the world through the broad lens of comedy and also works hard at raising her kids to be good human beings. Both on the mic and off, she is authentic.