This is Beacon

This is Beacon

This Is Beacon offers a captivating glimpse into the heart and soul of a city, told by those that call it home. Serving as the audio scrapbook of the community, join us as we discover Beacon's history, celebrate local heroes, and dive into issues impacting our community. Presented by I Am Beacon, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to serving and empowering the Beacon community.

Episodes

March 9, 2026 49 mins

In this special Women’s History Month episode of This Is Beacon, Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcome guest co-host Tara Simmons for a conversation celebrating the women shaping Beacon’s past, present, and future.


The episode kicks off with the city buzzing after the Beacon High School Varsity Boys Basketball team’s Sectional Championship win, while also highlighting the incredible leadership behind Beacon’s girls basketball prog...

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In this ICYMI episode of This Is Beacon, Reuben and Brandon are joined by Jamie from Faregrounds to recap a some community work in action. They highlight the Back 2 School Block Party, 138 supply kits distributed, and the 14th Annual I Run Beacon 5K securing their fundraising goal for their Making a Difference scholarship. They introduce Turkey on Every Table and discuss what’s next with community fridges.


Want to support local ...

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In this episode of This is Beacon, hosts Reuben and Brandon engage in a deep and insightful conversation with Shandi Speller, a seasoned family peer advocate with CoveCare Center for over eight years. Shandi shares her journey from being a classroom teacher in the South Bronx to becoming a family peer advocate. She discusses the importance of addressing children's behavioral issues by involving the entire family, the role of commun...

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This episode of 'This is Beacon' features Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcoming special guest Courtney Rovere, PhD, LCSW(NY), LICSW(MA) as part of the #Jointheconversation series. The conversation centers around the importance of mental health, wellness, and Courtney's journey in the field. Courtney shares her experiences working in the Hudson Valley, her education in Boston, and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic ...

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In this episode of This is Beacon, part of the #Jointheconversation series, hosts Brooke, Rueben, and Brandon sit down with Licensed Mental Health Counselor JoAnn Streany, whose work spans New York, New Jersey, Florida, Connecticut, and Delaware. JoAnn brings over two decades of experience as a former school counselor and now runs a remote private practice specializing in Integrated Nutrition for Mental Health.


She shares how nu...

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In this episode of 'This is Beacon's #jointheconversationseries, hosts Reuben, Brandon delve into an insightful discussion with actress, writer, and director Rachel Handler. As a disability advocate and a recent participant in the Easterseals Disability Film Challenge, Rachel shares her inspiring journey in the film industry, her relocation from Jersey City to the Hudson Valley, and the profound impact of authentic disability repre...

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Community Insights & Future Plans: Beacon's Q1 2025 RecapIn this episode of 'This is Beacon,' hosts Reuben and Brandon provide updates on community events, notable achievements, and future plans for Beacon, New York. The episode starts with shoutouts to community members Brooke and Brianna for their personal and business milestones. The hosts share their personal experiences attending local events and discuss the return of Dunk...

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In this episode of the 'This is Beacon' podcast, hosts Brooke, Ruben, Brianna, and Brandon recount the highlights of 2024, share personal growth stories, and discuss their organizational goals for 2025. They talk about the impact of events such as the Back to School Block Party, the I Am Beacon 5K, and the Turkey on Every Table initiative, expressing gratitude to sponsors and community partners. Additionally, they detail their ment...

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In this special episode for Domestic Violence Awareness Month, we are honored to sit down with Tara Simmons, founder of Flip It for Life and a powerful voice for change. Tara shares her personal journey, shedding light on the challenges she has faced, the strengths she has discovered along the way, and what drives her to help others overcome adversity. Her story is one of resilience, courage, and empowerment, making this a conversa...

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In this episode, Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon chat with Beaconite Command Master Chief from Submarine Squadron One. With a distinguished career in the US Navy, Command Master Chief shares his remarkable journey and offers deep insights into leadership and personal development. Discover how his experiences have shaped his leadership philosophy and how he’s now channeling these lessons into his podcast, Leadership State Of Mind, co-ho...

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August 1, 2024 67 mins

On this episode of This Is Beacon, Reuben, Brooke, and Brandon are back with the latest updates from Beacon.


They recap the I Am Beacon Making A Difference Scholarship, discuss the Elks 100th Celebration Parade, and the Brain and Body Coalition's Mental Wellness event. The team also explores the current discussion surrounding Veteran Banners.


- Register for the Back to School Block Party: https://iambeacon.org/beacon...

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In this episode, Brandon and Brianna welcome two Beacon talents, Teron Wright and Devon Howard. Teron Wright, a visual artist, shares his journey from Beacon to rediscovering his passion for art. Follow his work on Instagram at thewrightexpressions. Devon Howard, also known as Noetic, discusses his music and entrepreneurial career, emphasizing community support. Connect with him on Instagram at noetic_pclawd and safecreatives. L...
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In this episode, we talk with JC Calderon, a Beacon resident and architect, about the critical role of good architecture and urban spaces in community development. JC shares his journey from Brooklyn to Beacon and discusses the importance of city planning that prioritizes public benefit. As chair of the Fishkill Avenue Corridor Ad Hoc Committee, JC provides insights into upcoming projects and the vision for Beacon’s future. Join u...
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In this episode, lifelong Beacon resident and music aficionado Bosco Faison, along with passionate community advocate and organizer Star Gorton, share their unique perspectives on growing up in Beacon and the importance of preserving community spirit. They reflect on the rich history and cherished traditions of their city, and dive into the significance of the upcoming Juneteenth festival. From their personal stories and community ...
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Welcome back to another episode of "This is Beacon," part of our #JoinTheConversation series, where we break down the stigmas surrounding mental health. Today, we're joined by a very special guest, Michael Hanrahan. Michael's incredible journey from a diverse upbringing in Upper Manhattan to a dedicated career in mental health counseling is nothing short of inspiring.


Michael shares his unique path, including...

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In this episode of our #jointheconversation series on "This is Beacon," aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health, we are thrilled to welcome Jeff Hartford. Jeff, a lifelong athlete and a professional dedicated to the study and teaching of wellness practices, brings over 20 years of experience as a licensed massage therapist and fitness trainer. From his initial plans to become an elementary teacher to his prof...

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In this compelling episode of "This Is Beacon," part of our #jointheconversation series aimed at ending the stigma surrounding mental health, we delve into the life of Allison, a holistic healer, registered nurse, Reiki practitioner, and spiritual life coach from Newburgh . Amidst lively exchanges and the sound of air horns, Allison shares her journey from growing up in the challenging environment of Newburgh to embracing motherhoo...
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Join the conversation in this episode of This is Beacon as hosts Brooke, Reuben, and Brandon welcome special guest Aditya. Part of the #jointheconversation series, Aditya shares his fascinating journey from India to Harlem to Beacon, shedding light on the significance of names and the essence of belonging. Delving into Aditya's background in computing and his transition to functional medicine, they explore the intricate landscape ...
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April 22, 2024 46 mins

In this special episode of the "This Is Beacon" podcast, hosts Reuben and Brandon engage in a reflective and candid conversation about the evolution of their podcast and its role within the broader mission of the "I Am Beacon" organization. They discuss the origins of the podcast, its development over the years, and its current format which aims to capture the voice of the city and connect its community members.

...

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📣 Welcome back to Beacon's West End Story! 🏙️


In this episode, Reuben and Brooke share their reflections on the enlightening discussion with Professor Hochfelder and Connie Whitener Perdreau. We take a trip down memory lane into the experiences of West End residents, offering a glimpse into the vibrant community that once thrived.


To stay connected with our ongoing journey through the rich tapestry of Beacon's W...

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