Good News York by Growth Mode Content

Good News York: Community Advocacy with Nicole Watts In this episode of Good News York, host Matt Masur of Click Stream Studios welcomes Nicole Watts, founder of the nonprofit organization Hope Print. Nicole shares her compelling journey of community service, focusing on helping marginalized groups, especially refugees and new Americans. She discusses the organic growth of Hope Print from sharing meals with refugee families to crea...

Exclusive Interview with WWE Superstar Ilja Dragunov: Passion, Persistence, and Wrestling In this episode of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi talks with WWE Superstar Ilja Dragunov. Ilja shares his inspiring story of moving from Russia to Germany as a child, the challenges he and his mother faced adapting to a new language and life, and how those experiences shaped his wrestling career. Dragunov discusses his wrestling influences...

Spotlight on Erin's Angels: Combating Food Insecurity In this inaugural post-Thanksgiving episode of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi interviews Lindsay, a representative from Erin's Angels of CNY, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing food insecurity among children. Founded in 2017 and named after Erin Maxwell, a neglected child who tragically died, the organization provides food to children in the Phoenix Central School District ...

Honoring Liam's Legacy: Live Like Liam Foundation and Upcoming Run/Walk Event In this episode of Good News York, host Mike welcomes Jalal Zoghby, co-founder of Live Like Liam, a foundation established to honor the memory of Jalal's son, Liam. The episode delves into the emotional journey of Liam, who lived with DiGeorge Syndrome, and the inspirational impact he left behind with his positive mantra, 'find the good.' Jalal talks abou...

Exciting Announcements for Syracuse Winter Fair 2026 In this announcement video, the organizers of the Syracuse Winter Fair reveal exciting details and acknowledgments for the upcoming 2026 event. The Fair will be held at the New York State Fair's Expo Center and will feature rides, entertainment, food, and special activities focused on children. The Fair is dedicated to the late Van Robinson, an instrumental figure in its inceptio...

Good News York: Supporting Jesse Buckley with a Benefit Concert at The Jug In this special episode of Good News York, host Mike Brindisi discusses an upcoming benefit concert for Jesse Buckley, co-owner of The Jug, a local bar and music venue. Jesse has been diagnosed with stage three voice box cancer. The concert, organized by friends and fellow musicians, will feature 15 bands playing on November 22nd to help cover Jesse's medica...

From Gang Leader to Community Hero: The Inspiring Journey of Ami Moham In this episode of Good News York, host Matt interviews Ami Moham, the executive director of We Rise Above the Streets Recovery Outreach. Ami shares his incredible life story, from being a gang leader in Chicago to becoming a community hero in Syracuse. He discusses his struggles, including homelessness and addiction, and how he turned his life around through th...

The American Dream: Abel Ramirez's Journey from Cuba to Entrepreneurship In this inspiring episode of Good News, host Mike interviews Abel Ramirez, owner of Bayberry Uniforms in Fayetteville. Abel shares his remarkable journey from growing up in Cuba to building a successful business in America. He talks about the challenges of moving to a new country, learning English, and starting a business during the COVID-19 pandemic. Abel's s...

Exploring The Gear Factory: Syracuse's Creative Haven In this episode, Matt Masur from Good News York takes viewers on an in-depth tour of The Gear Factory in downtown Syracuse, a unique space designed for creative individuals. Rick, the owner, shares the vision behind this versatile facility which includes artist workspaces, musician rehearsal studios, and artist live-work apartments. The Gear Factory fosters a vibrant community w...

Inside the First Taco Bell Cantina with a Drive-Thru: Manlys Cantina Sneak Peek In this episode of Good News York, Matt takes viewers on an exclusive tour of the soon-to-open Taco Bell Cantina in Manlys, New York. Joined by Syracuse community members Alec and Jessica, they discuss the local ownership of this Taco Bell franchise, the unique features of the Cantina concept, and the transformation of an old firehouse into a lively din...

Discovering Syracuse: An Interview with Alex Scripa In this episode of Good News, York, Matt and Mike are joined by Alex Scripa, a 21-year-old real estate agent and enthusiastic content creator known as 'Mr. Syracuse.' They discuss Alex's unique approach to using content to highlight the vibrant culture of Syracuse, debunking myths about the city, and creatively engaging the community. The conversation covers his background, the bu...

Exploring Self-Mastery and Spirituality with Maryanne Roefaro In this episode of Good News York, host Matt Masur and his co-host welcome Maryanne Roefaro, a former CEO in the healthcare industry and author of several books. They discuss her extensive resume, leadership journey, and the importance of self-mastery. Maryanne shares insights from her book 'Transitions of Hope,' blending science with spirituality. The conversation cover...

Kate Williams Discusses Rescue Love: A New Approach to Animal Sheltering and Grooming In this episode of Good News York, the host welcomes Kate Williams, a remarkable individual who has transitioned from a grooming career to founding a unique shelter called Rescue Love. The discussion covers Kate’s journey into dog grooming, her background in volunteering at the CNY SPCA, and the establishment of her grooming shop, Girl’s Best Frie...

Operation Walk New York: Bringing Mobility and Hope to Underserved Communities In this episode of Good News York, Mike Brindisi visits Syracuse Orthopedic Specialists to meet the team behind Operation Walk New York, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free hip and knee replacements to underserved patients. The discussion features insights from team members Kim Murray, Vinnie Marino, Amelia Cerio, and Jim Colon, who sha...

The Journey of Growth Mode Technologies: From Freelancer to Team Builder In this episode, the founder of Growth Mode Technologies discusses his career journey from starting as a freelancer in IT to founding his own company during the pandemic. He explains the inspiration behind launching Growth Mode Technologies, the challenges faced, the philosophy of providing comprehensive IT services for a flat fee, and the importance of treati...

Good News York: Behind the Scenes with Music Producer Steve Sopchak In this episode of Good News York, hosts Matt Masur and Mike welcome Steve Sopchak, a talented musician, songwriter, producer, and owner of The Square Studio in Syracuse, NY. They discuss Steve's journey from recording in his parents' basement to working with major metal bands like Ice Nine Kills. Steve shares his insights on the evolving music industry, the impact...

Good News York: Christmas Decorating, Bills' Big Win, and a Nostalgic Surprise In this episode of Good News York, Mike Brindisi fills in for Matt, sharing updates and personal anecdotes. Mike reveals an exciting upcoming expansion for the show and discusses his early Christmas decorating dilemma, explaining his wife's scheduling logic and the overwhelming festive transformation of his home. He also dives into the Buffalo Bills' sig...

Second Chance Diner: From Recovery to Culinary Triumph - An Interview with Eddie DePalma In this special episode of Good News York, host Matt Masur conducts an inspiring interview with Eddie DePalma, owner of Second Chance Diner. Eddie shares his personal journey from addiction recovery to becoming a successful entrepreneur. He recounts his early days as a barber, his decision to save money by biking everywhere, and the switch to o...

Inside Fright Ma Farms: Bringing Halloween Thrills and Inclusivity In this episode of Good News York, host Mike Ndii, joined by Nicole Ginsburg, production director of Fright Ma Farms in Palermo, New York, discusses the evolution and operations of one of the largest haunted attractions in the Northeast. Nicole shares her unique journey into the world of haunted entertainment, detailing the thoughtfulness and inclusivity that goes i...