Your Hometown Podcast

There is a profound difference between simply living in a community and actively shaping it. True community impact isn't built overnight; it is the result of people who show up, volunteer their time, and remain steadfast in their commitment year after year. This kind of unwavering dedication does more than just maintain programs—it builds a lasting legacy. Sam Yodice, the borough administrator for Woodland Park, explores his lifelo...

Sometimes the people who impact us most aren’t the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who listen, who care, and who quietly step in when something needs to be done. And often, it’s life’s hardest moments that shape that kind of character. Real difference is rarely about recognition — it’s about perspective, compassion, and the willingness to show up for others even when your own world feels shaken. Little Falls Councilman, Chris...

Working as a first responder is one of the most selfless ways a person can serve their community. EMTs and paramedics are often the first on the scene during someone’s worst moment — bringing skill, calm, and compassion when it matters most. Tami Hajbi talks about what it’s really like to serve as an EMT and paramedic: the realities behind the sirens, the heart behind the uniform, and the calling that keeps her showing up when othe...

Libraries are so much more than shelves of books. They’re places where curiosity is sparked, lifelong learning begins, and people of all ages find connection, resources, and support. From early readers to adults reinventing themselves, libraries help ensure that knowledge, opportunity, and imagination are accessible to everyone. Jeffrey Machno, the Liaison of Community Engagement and Adult Programming for the Little Falls Public Li...

Healing doesn’t always happen in a doctor’s office. Sometimes it happens on a stage, through story, music, or the courage to begin again. Dr. Joan Liman is a physician, public health leader, producer, and performer whose journey took her from healing bodies in medicine to healing hearts through the performing arts. After holding senior leadership roles in medical education and hospital administration, she retired from medicine and ...

Following a dream usually starts with a feeling you can’t quite shake, and then a whole lot of persistence along the way. Singer, songwriter, and musician, Stella Crispo, has been following that pull through music for most of her life. From early lessons to performing on stages both near and far, Stella’s journey is a powerful example of resilience - staying true to your passion while pushing through challenges and continuing to gr...

Suzanne Trauth is a talented novelist, playwright, and former theatre professor. She is the author of the Dodie O’Dell mystery series, the suspense novel The First to Die, and the award-winning historical romance What Remains of Love. Her plays have been performed across the country, sharing powerful stories of resilience and hope. In addition to writing, Suzanne coaches actors and mentors creative talent within our community. Suza...

Organ donation is one of the most powerful gifts a human being can offer. For thousands of people living with advanced kidney disease, that gift is not just meaningful … it’s essential. Behind every successful transplant is the compassion of a donor and the tireless advocacy of people who fight to give patients hope. Donna Tissot dedicates her life to supporting individuals whose kidney disease has progressed to the point where a t...

The media has always played a powerful role in shaping how we see the world, but over the past few decades, that role has changed dramatically. From the trusted voices of evening newscasts to the endless scroll of social media, the way we get our news — and who we trust to deliver it — has evolved beyond recognition. These changes have left many of us wondering about the cost of this constant flood of information. Tina Pappas bring...

It’s never too late to chase a dream, rewrite your story, or start something entirely new. For many, the second act of life is where the real magic begins. Christine Hablitz is someone who’s living proof that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. Christine has returned to school, serves as a councilwoman, organizes events that bring the Little Falls community together, and is constantly finding new ways to make a differen...

Reading is more than just a fundamental skill, it's a gateway to opportunity, imagination, and lifelong learning. In a world increasingly shaped by digital media and fast-paced communication, the ability to read, understand, and critically engage with information is more important than ever. Linda Hoffman understands the transformative power of reading on a deeply personal and professional level. As the director of the Alfred Bauma...

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—when their talent, their light, their presence, seemed like it should have lasted so much longer. Charlene Neopolitan Thomas experienced the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Bob who was a gifted artist whose...

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...

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. From managing anxiety and setting healthy routine...

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. From managing anxiety and setting healthy routine...

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 has 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...

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 unwaver...

Sometimes life changes in an instant, and the place you once called home becomes a memory marked by devastation and grief. Karen slinger 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 heartb...

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 sh...