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We all need a little inspiration now and then. Sometimes all it takes is a new perspective, encouraging words, or a reminder that we’re not alone in our struggles. Your Hometown Podcast is a network of independent community podcasts produced under the Change Your Attitude … Change Your Life brand. Each show features stories about local community residents who inspire, motivate, and empower. In each episode, host Joan Herrmann is joined by people who walk among us every day, making a differen ...
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Honor, Service, and Sacrifice
42:37
42:37
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We celebrate Memorial Day in the month of May, a time to recognize honor, service, and the sacrifice that too often goes unnoticed. Herb Brychta is 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 inc…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Answering the Call to Duty
41:10
41:10
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41:10
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 for…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Aiding Underserved Communities
36:42
36:42
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36:42
Medical missionary work transforms lives around the world. Little Falls native, Jim Pullara, has been part of three surgical missions that brought life-changing procedures to some of the world’s poorest and most underserved communities. He talks about the heart behind the mission, the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, and the unfo…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Running In To Danger - Life As A Firefighter
40:03
40:03
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40:03
Firefighters are vital to our communities, providing life-saving support, protection, and calm in the midst of chaos when every second counts. They are the backbone of our safety, rushing into danger when others run away. Their courage, commitment, and quick thinking save lives and bring hope in moments of crisis. Todd Hollritt is a true hometown h…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Working for Change
37:15
37:15
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37:15
People power can take many forms depending on what kind of change is desired. Whether we want to change a government, company, community or individual, we each have the power to make a difference. Mark DeLotto is a Little Falls native who has a vision for what he calls “a stronger America” that is inspired by the American Dream. Mark ran for electi…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Advocating for Mental Health Awareness
40:02
40:02
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March is a significant month for mental health awareness, with several key days dedicated to increasing understanding and breaking the stigma around mental health conditions. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, community events, or simple conversations, each of us has the power to make a difference. Phyllis Hornstra is passionate about edu…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Governing for a Better Tomorrow
32:13
32:13
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Politics is personal and it starts at the local level. Local elected officials are the ones who make decisions that affect our everyday lives and impact communities. Little Falls Mayor, James Damiano, talks about why he ran for mayor and how the role has impacted his life. Mayor Damiano is a lifelong Little Falls resident who was recently elected t…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Giving Back
35:08
35:08
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From volunteering to advocacy, your voice matters. Community involvement helps solve local issues while creating positive change. Shannon Marren is community focused and civic minded. She talks about why she believes it’s important to give back and how her community involvement has impacted her life. A lifelong Woodland Park resident, Shannon is a …
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: A Life of Service
23:57
23:57
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Choosing a career in law enforcement is a significant decision that comes with both rewards and challenges. Police officers have the opportunity to serve a community, build meaningful relationships, and experience the satisfaction of protecting others. However, the role also comes with danger, stress, demanding hours, and personal sacrifices. James…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Combating Human Trafficking
35:00
35:00
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Human trafficking happens everywhere and it can happen to anyone. It impacts people in big cities, and right in your own backyard. Understanding the problem and learning the signs can help put an end to this growing crisis. Patti Pfeifer works tirelessly to raise awareness about human trafficking and to create a safer state. Patti co-chair of the O…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Reinventing Yourself for Success
47:24
47:24
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They say that food is love. For Tom Halik, those words ring true. From cooking for the Ambassador to Iceland, which included meals for dignitaries such as President George Bush, to serving as chef at several restaurants, to owning his own bakery, Tom has continually followed his passion and reinvented himself when necessary. He talks about some of …
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: The Legacy of Actor Abe Vigoda
35:45
35:45
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Whether you knew him as Tesio in The Godfather or as Fish in Barney Miller, actor Abe Vigoda brought joy to many throughout his more than six decades in show business. Abe proved himself in dramatic roles and also as a comedic genius. His dead-pan expression made the punch lines unexpected and hilarious. Carol Vigoda Fuchs talks about her father’s …
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Following A Dream
37:12
37:12
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Whatever your dream may be, the idea of actually following that dream can be terrifying. Instead of doing what you really want, you may strive to meet the expectations of others because you fear what they may think. Pursuing your dream is worth it. Studies show that living as your authentic self can help you find more meaning in life, among other b…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Living with A Chronic Disease
24:58
24:58
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Living with a life-threatening illness can trigger an array of emotions. Sometimes medical interventions work, and sometimes they don’t. For the past 40 years, Sam Gencarelli has navigated the highs and lows of living with chronic kidney disease. Through four decades of difficult treatment, which included three failed transplant attempts, Sam remai…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: From Recovery to Helping Others
34:17
34:17
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34:17
Volunteering your time to support a cause you are passionate about is something you will never regret. It will enrich your life, familiarize you with your community, and connect you to people and ideas that can impact you for the rest of your life. Research has shown that people who volunteer regularly are healthier, typically live longer, and have…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Breaking the Cycle of Generational Trauma
31:52
31:52
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What you experience in childhood and how you grow up have huge implications for how you are as an adult. Adverse childhood experiences can be passed from generation to generation as if they were genetic. So breaking the cycle of generational trauma is no easy feat. Angela Fraser’s early years were extremely challenging. Her family survived day by d…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Fighting for Kids with Cancer
35:18
35:18
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35:18
Little Falls resident, Jessica Myers, quit her job to help care for her three-year-old nephew, Liam, who was diagnosed with cancer eight weeks after he was born. Liam passed away August 17, 2023, but Jessica’s work continues with the non-profit, Liam’s Warriors, the charity that she created in her nephew’s memory, and the Red Carpet Warriors, a non…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Navigating Life's Curveballs
34:55
34:55
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When Lori Hinkle took her first drink in seventh grade, she had no idea that it would take her down a destructive path that would almost kill her. Battling addiction and alcoholism, and now care-giving for a child, Lori has had to overcome challenges that could destroy anyone. She talks about how we can navigate any struggle by taking it one day at…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Finding Silver Linings
27:43
27:43
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27:43
When we decide to have a child, we imagine all of the wonderful things that lie ahead, and we pray that everything will be okay. Nicole Gizzi had the same dreams when she was pregnant with her daughter, Marisa. But during a routine doctor visit, she learned that Marisa was diagnosed with several health issues. The doctors recommended termination, b…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Angel Guidance
35:31
35:31
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If you’ve ever wondered if there is more to life than meets the eye, Cathy Pagano would answer with a resounding yes! Cathy experienced what she calls a miracle when her mother passed away. That experience led Cathy on a journey that brought her to surprising places. She discusses how you can renew your levels of trust and love in yourself and God,…
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Your Hometown Podcast Little Falls: Never Give Up
30:22
30:22
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30:22
Over the past few decades, the landscape for women in the workforce has been very different from what it is today. Women have been fighting for equal pay, breaking through glass ceilings, and challenging societal norms. Judith Schumacher Tilton entered the male-dominated automotive industry and has emerged as a leader. She talks about why we should…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Turning Pain into Purpose
36:35
36:35
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36:35
No matter what we experience in life, we have the opportunity to choose how we respond and what we will do with those circumstances. It isn’t always easy to transform pain, but it is possible. With resilience, there is a path to wisdom, to strength, and to courage. Christine Tiseo survived two suicides in her family and has served as a member of th…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Coping with Life's Challenges
34:26
34:26
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Learning that you have a serious illness can be devastating. It can disrupt all aspects of your life. You may feel overwhelmed by waves of difficult emotions or frozen by the belief that you may not be able to cope. Whatever your diagnosis or emotional response, it’s important to know that you’re not powerless. Dr. Mark Salemi was given the gift of…
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Your Hometown Podcast Woodland Park: Anything in Life is Possible
34:46
34:46
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In her younger years, Woodland Park Mayor, Tracy Kallert, never imagined she would one day be running her home town. As a lifelong resident, she loved Woodland Park, but when she pictured the mayor, she didn’t see someone who looked like her. After being encouraged to try her hand at politics, she learned that even though she didn’t have experience…
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