Hot Seat: Media Monday with Ron Klopfanstein

On this week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday, we celebrate Black Music Month by exploring the cultural, spiritual, and social impact of Black music with two powerful guests: Reverend LaDana Clark (aka LADYJAM), a Black lesbian Christian musician and minister, and DJ J-Easy (Jonathan Brooks), 95.5 FM DJ and sound engineer for the show. Together, we reflect on music’s ability to heal, uplift, and spark dialogue in the face of hate and divis...

This week on Hot Seat: Media Monday, Ron Klopfanstein is joined by two inspiring guests who are making an impact through creativity and connection. First, musician Ryan Quinn opens up about his journey from growing up in a musical household to his time on The Voice and life as a working artist. He reflects on the challenges of songwriting, the power of live performance, and the importance of authenticity in finding your sound.

Then,...

In this special episode of Hot Seat with Cassandra Harris Lockwood, Dave Dancy, and Ron Klopfanstein, veteran journalist and 95.5 FM “The Heat” news analyst John Stemen shares stories from his decades-long career in radio and print journalism. From his early days as a high school DJ in Gettysburg, PA, to investigative reporting in rural Florida, Stemen reflects on the formative experiences that shaped his approach to storytelling. ...

Hot Seat: Media Monday “Using Media to Memorialize” with author Jennifer Boulenger and Sue Francisco, of Whitney’s Legacy, RPG-CON, & No Kings Day! Protest 6-16-25

by Ron Klopfanstein

In this deeply personal episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, we explore how storytelling can honor those we've lost and turn grief into purpose. Author Jennifer Boulanger shares the heart-wrenching and inspiring story behind A Song for ...

This week’s Hot Seat: Media Monday is jam-packed with excitement and nostalgia. First up, Budd Green and Donna Ray discuss Mohawk Valley Radio in the 1980s and 1990s, sharing stories about WOUR, KG104, and Rock 107. Then, Roger Rebisz joins us to talk about the Central New York Role-Playing Game Convention. Lily Christopher presents her feature story on Mariah’s Closet, a thrift store that was founded with a purpose, and I have a s...

In this special historical-themed episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, we discuss the significance of the Marqués de Lafayette, a key figure in the American Revolutionary War, with guests Leslie Rainey and Theresa McFaden from the American Friends of Lafayette. They explore Lafayette's loyalty, military contributions, and his relationships with key American figures, particularly George Washington. The discussion also highlights u...

Hot Seat: Media Monday "All Things Oz," "Pride in Oneida County 2025," & "Broadway Bared!" 6-2-25

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, I’m talking to Marc Baum and Monica Kenner from the All Things Oz Museum about the significance of The Wizard of Oz in contemporary culture, especially during Pride Month. The guests explore the themes of inclusion, self-discovery, and empowerment within the Oz...

Hot Seat: Media Monday author/artist/outdoorsman Mark Usyk & writer/blogger Jess Santecroce 5-26-25

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, Ron Klopfanstein interviews Mark Usyk, an artist, author, and outdoorsman, along with blogger and writing teacher Jess Santacroce. The show also includes a video report from the Newport Short Film Showcase. 

Mark shares insights into his diverse background, including his previous w...

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, we’re hanging out with filmmakers Jonas America, Aidan Ferguson, Siulee Olivera, Carley Hinman, and Kelsey Zimmerman. They’ll be presenting The Haunting of Nahhahmacher Hall, as well as exclusive clips from an upcoming project, Bumps in the Road, on Saturday, May 24th at the Newport Short Film Showcase, which will be at 6 pm at the Kuyahoora Community Center, 7408 Main Street, in Newport, ...

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, I hang out with powerlifter and Fitness Mill co-owner Erik Fredsell and photographer and journalist Brian Lazore and discuss the importance of physical and mental health for men of all ages. We also meet Lily Christopher, a LeMoyne College senior who will be interning with the show. 

In the first segment, Erik explains the fundamentals of powerlifting, including techniques and the importanc...

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, 16-year-old entrepreneur Dwayne Presley talks about how he launched, markets, and operates his business, Utica Teens in Action. Dwayne is an 11th grader at Thomas R. Proctor High School in Utica. Michelle McCarrick, a program manager and instructor from the Young Entrepreneurs Academy at Mohawk Valley Community,  joins the conversation to discuss how her program provides young people with ...

Hot Seat: Media Monday Free Comic Book Day and Catstock 5! 4-28-25

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, Nabil Khan previews the titles being offered at this year’s Free Comic Book Day, taking place locally at Ravenswood Comics and comic book stores around the country. Then John Chesebro invites listeners to this year’s Catstock 5 and describes the work involved with organizing a day-long festival. 

Free Comic Book Day t...

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, I talk to artist and storyteller Lorraine Kreimeyer, who introduces Mr. Figby, and discusses the importance of creativity for self-expression and healing for all ages. She also promotes her upcoming event at the Dunham Public Library.  Also featured is author Dave Dellecese, who emphasizes the role of storytelling in connecting and inspiring individuals, as well as the tightrope that is bo...

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, I interview journalist Rocco LaDucca about the “Mob Files,” his series of articles detailing the history of organized crime in Utica.  Rocco discusses the local mafia, the political corruption that enabled their operations, and the role of journalism in exposing these issues, especially regarding the 1959 Pulitzer Prize-winning reporting by the Observer Dispatch. Key moments discussed incl...

Cassandra Harris Lockwood and Ron Klopfanstein host this special edition of the Hot Seat, in which an IRS worker whose job was targeted by President Trump and Elon Musk's DOGE project describes the uncertainty and anxiety within the Internal Revenue Service and explains its potential implications for American taxpayers.

For more, go to: UticaPhoenix.net/IRS and UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday

Works referenced during this br...

Hot Seat: Media Monday “Gaming, Music, and Absent Friends” 4-7-25

By Ron Klopfanstein

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, I hung out with DJ J-Easy (Jonathan Brooks) and Nabil Khan to talk about the latest news in gaming, music, and J Easy’s role in Absent Friends, which is presented this weekend by the Players of Utica.

In part one, Nabil and I discuss the anticipated release of the Nintendo Switch 2, its pricing, ...

In this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday, I speak to Tim and Matt from Gridley Paige AM Gold, the popular local band known for their Yacht Rock music style. They discuss their career journey, fond memories of the '80s and '90s, the origins of their band name, and what it takes to be successful in the music industry over the decades. The conversation touches on the importance of nostalgia in music, their influences, and the...

On a special edition of Hot Seat: Media Monday, we discuss the upcoming Trans Rights Rally and “From Biology to Identity-A Journey Beyond Chromosomes” with panelists Ace Morreale and Damon, a transgender man. They delve into the current challenges faced by the transgender community, including discrimination and violence, while also celebrating progress such as the establishment of the Onida County Pride Alliance. 

Ace explains t...

This episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday features writer William Welch, author of Adding Saffron and publisher of Doubly Mad: An Independent Journal of Arts & Ideas, and Rob Fish, a comedian who has been doing shows throughout the Northeast for the past 8 years. His new podcast, Small Town Shithead, debuts this week. We discuss poetry, comedy, and the creative process in our conversation. Welch shares insights into his semi-autob...