Your Hometown Podcast

10/22/2025

A new episode of Your Hometown Podcast: Little Falls is now available.

Grief has a way of changing the shape of everything — how we remember, how we move forward, and how we hold on to the people we’ve lost. It’s especially complex when the loss is sudden, or when someone’s life feels unfinished. Charlene Neapolitan Thomas experienced the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Bob, a gifted artist whose creative spirit touched everyone around him. Bob’s life was full of color, depth, and passion, but it was also marked by health challenges that ultimately took him far too soon. Charlene discusses what it’s like to walk alongside a sibling through illness, to carry the weight of watching someone you love struggle, and to face the pain of saying goodbye.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Please support our sponsors who make this type of programming possible.

Episode 16: Charlene Neapolitan-Thomas discusses what it’s like to walk alongside a sibling through illness, to carry the weight of watching someone you love struggle, and to face the pain of saying goodbye.

10/15/2025

A new episode of Your Hometown Podcast: Woodland Park is now available!

Loss has a way of reshaping everything—our sense of time, place, and even who we are. Grief is deeply personal, yet it connects us all. John Colie’s mother was a beloved guidance counselor and director of pupil personnel services at Passaic Valley High School. She dedicated her life to supporting students and helping them navigate their toughest moments. Tragically, she lost her life in a house fire, leaving a deep void in both her family and the community she served. John shares what it’s like to survive such a devastating loss, the process of grieving, and how his family is working to carry her legacy forward.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Click link below to listen to this episode. Please support our sponsors who make programming like this possible.

Episode 18: John Colie shares his journey through sudden loss, the weight of grief, and how his family honors his mother’s lasting legacy.

09/17/2025

A new episode of Your Hometown Podcast: Woodland Park has dropped.

The return to school marks more than just a change in schedule; it’s an important opportunity to create a positive, stable foundation for the year ahead. How we support our children during this transition can shape not only their academic success but their emotional well-being. Donna Scarpa Farraye discusses how parents and caregivers can ease the back-to-school adjustment for kids. Donna is a licensed professional counselor who is guidance counselor for the Woodland Park public schools.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, talks about the importance of self care, and Erica Higdon, clinical manager of Behavioral Health Services for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses su***de prevention.

This episode was made possible by the support of our sponsors. Please show them some love.

Episode 17: Donna Scarpa-Farraye offers thoughtful guidance to help make the school year a strong and healthy one for the whole family.

08/27/2025

A new episode of your Hometown Podcast: Little Falls is now available.

People have always been fascinated by the world of rock ‘n’ roll — the energy, the rebellion, the larger-than-life personalities. To be even a small part of that world, to work behind the scenes and contribute to its magic, can be truly amazing. Valerie Tompkins-Freda had a front-row seat to a world most only see from afar. She shares a few of her memories and why she feels blessed to do work she truly loves. For more than two decades, Valerie has worked as a sales representative for Beasley Media, the parent company of New Jersey’s 105.5 WDHA

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses getting ready for the new school year, and Dr. Greg Sorkin, chair of Emergency Medicine at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about seeking emergency care for mental health challenges.

Click link below to listen to the conversation.

https://www.cyacyl.com/your-hometown-podcast-episodes/valerie-freda

This episode is sponosred by
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls
Evolution Restaurant & Bar
Healthlink Advocates
Chem-Dry Of Passaic County
Body Bonanza
Metro Hypnosis Center
Crystal Clear Energies
GPS Empowerment

Episode 14: Valerie-Tompkins-Freda shares what is has been like working in the world of rock and roll.

08/20/2025

A new episode of Your Hometown Podcast: Woodland Park is now available.

Flooding can wash away more than just belongings, it can shake a person’s spirit, uproot a sense of safety, and forever alter the course of a life. Ginny Caroselli opens up about the challenges she faced in the aftermath of a flood her family experienced. She shares how she navigated profound loss, leaned on her faith, and found the strength to move forward. Her story is a powerful testament to endurance, community, and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest waters, hope can rise.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses getting ready for the new school year.

This episode is made possible by our sponsors. Please support the companies who are dedicated to bringing positive programming to the community.

Advanced Foot Care of NJ,
Evolution Restaurant & Bar
Dawn Cox - Weichert, Northern NJ Real Estate
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Lisa's Thermography & Wellness
Body Bonanza
Affan Indo-Chinese Bangladeshi Restaurant
Metro Hypnosis Center
Crystal Clear Energies

Episode 16: Ginny Caroselli shares how she navigated profound loss, leaned on her faith, and found the strength to move forward.

07/23/2025

Your Hometown Podcast: Little Falls episode 13 is now available.

Imagine water rushing into your home like a tidal wave—sudden, violent, and unforgiving. Now picture yourself trapped in the basement as that relentless force crashes in, rising higher with every second. You cling to life in a shrinking air pocket, lungs burning, heart pounding, every breath a desperate fight to survive.

Karen Slinger doesn’t have to imagine it … she lived it. Karen brings us a deeply personal and powerful story of loss, survival, and rebuilding. Karen lived in Little Falls for 30 years when her home was tragically destroyed during Hurricane Ida. In a matter of hours, everything she had built was swept away and she suddenly found herself navigating the heartbreaking aftermath of losing her home. Karen talks about the emotional toll of disaster, the courage it takes to start over, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from devastation.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the importance of holidays and rituals to our mental health, and Dr. Sunitha Moonthungal, director of Primary Care Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the importance of preventative care.



Please support our sponsors who make these shows possible.
Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls
Evolution Restaurant & Bar
Body Bonanza
Chem-Dry Of Passaic County
Healthlink Advocates
Metro Hypnosis Center
Crystal Clear Energies
GPS Empowerment

Episode 13: Karen Slinger talks about the emotional toll of disaster, the courage it takes to start over, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from devastation.

07/16/2025

A new episode of Your Hometown Podcast: Woodland Park is now available.
Nursing is the heart of healthcare where compassion meets clinical expertise to provide holistic, life-saving care. Nurses are often the first to comfort, the last to leave, and the steady presence that holds the system together. Jennifer Kula Spirio brings a lifetime of wisdom and heart to the world of healthcare. Jennifer is a seasoned nurse with decades of experience at the bedside, in leadership roles, and now as an educator shaping the next generation of nurses. She’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of the medical field. She discusses the changes she’s seen, the lessons she’s learned, and where she believes the future of nursing needs to go in order to truly serve both patients and providers. Jennifer has worked as a registered nurse, nursing educator, and adult nurse practitioner.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the importance of holidays and rituals to our mental health, and Dr. Sunitha Moonthungal, director of Primary Care Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the importance of preventative care.

Episode 15: Jennifer Kula Spirio shares what she has learned from decades of experience at the bedside, in leadership roles, and now as an educator shaping the next generation of nurses.

07/15/2025

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06/25/2025

Your Hometown Podcast: Little Falls Episode 12 is now available!

Today’s episode celebrates one year of bringing Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls to the community!! Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey.

In this episode we talk with Anthony Sgobba. about an important topic than can change the way we live. Tony has worked closely with people at the end of life or those in grief. Through stories they have shared, he has witnessed their final reflections about what truly matters, what they regret, what they cherish most. He shares those insights to help us all live more fully, right now.

Tony is a member of the Little Falls Township Council. He has served on the Little Falls Library Board, the Little Falls Board of Education, and the Passaic Valley Board of Education. He is the co-owner of Sgobba Monument Works located in Totowa, NJ.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex father/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Dr. Christopher Awwad, a family medicine physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about men’s health.

Episode 12: Anthony Sgobba shares insights to help us live life more fully.

06/18/2025

A new episode of Your Hometown Podcast: Woodland Park is now available!

Science is the foundation of progress—it drives innovation, fuels discovery, and helps us make sense of the world around us. In today’s rapidly evolving world, encouraging the study of science and other STEM fields is more important than ever. Rich Paleski is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the world of broadcast television. With a more than 40-year career in broadcast engineering, Rich helped keep the shows we love on air with precision, innovation, and technical excellence. He is passionate about the importance of STEM education and is an advocate for inspiring the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. Rich most recently held the position of director of Broadcast Operation and Engineering for WCBS television. He invented the CBS mobile weather lab, and was an adjunct professor for Drexel University.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex father/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Dr. Christopher Awwad, a family medicine physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about men’s health.

Click link below to listen to the conversation:

Episode 14: Rich Paleski discusses his 40 year career in broadcast television and why we need to inspire the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering, and math.

05/25/2025

Episode 11 of Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls is now available. The episode dropped early this month in order to recognize the honor, service, and the sacrifice that too often goes unnoticed.
In this episode we feature Herb Brychta, a proud military veteran who is the commander of the American Legion Post 108. With years of service to our country and continued leadership, he brings a perspective that is both deeply personal and incredibly important. Herb talks about his journey through military service, the realities of life after duty, and the work being done through the American Legion to uplift and support those who have served.

Click link below to listen to the conversation.
https://www.cyacyl.com/your-hometown-podcast-episodes/herb-brychta

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls
Kinderkamack Counseling
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Body Bonanza
Evolution Restaurant & Bar
Silver bullet pest control
Healthlink Advocates
Chem-Dry of Passaic County
Metro Hypnosis Center
Crystal Clear Energies

Episode 11: Herb Brychta talks about his journey through military service and the realities of life after duty.

05/21/2025

Episode 13 - Your Hometown Podcast: Woodland Park is now available.

We celebrate Memorial Day in the month of May, a time to honor those who gave everything for our freedom and to reflect on sacrifice and what it truly means to serve. Jairo Rodriguez is a proud veteran who has shown incredible dedication to our country — both in uniform and in continued service beyond. He talks about his experience in the armed forces, and the lessons he learned about leadership, resilience, and teamwork. His story is one of courage and purpose.

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and then Press 1

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex mother/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost. Click link below to listen to the conversation. This episode is made possible by our sponsors. Please let them know you heard about them here.

https://www.cyacyl.com/your-hometown-podcast-episodes/jairo-rodriguez

Advanced Foot Care of NJ,
Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Evolution Restaurant & Bar
Pamela Martorana
Margaret Sanchez
Dawn Cox - Weichert, Northern NJ Real Estate
Lisa's Thermography & Wellness
Body Bonanza
Margaret Sanchez Cross Country Mortgage
Kinderkamack Counseling

Episode 13: Jairo Rodriguez talks about his experience in the armed forces, and the lessons he learned about leadership, resilience, and teamwork.