Time to Spread Joy (and Maybe Some Deductible Dollars): Who You Givin’ To?
The Debbie Nigro Show
Year-End Giving Reminder: The last few weeks of the year are when most charitable giving happens — people feel more generous, tax benefits kick in for those who itemize, and many folks use year-end bonuses or appreciated stock to support causes they believe in. It’s the perfect moment to make a meaningful impact, especially with an organization that stretches every donor dollar farther than you ever could on your own. Why United Way Might Be One of the Smartest Ways to Give Back To Business Monday You know how I like to start a Monday: a little caffeine, a little...
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Fun, Fast “Wellness Wednesday” highlights from The Debbie Nigro Show aka 'Keeping the Live in Alive!'
The Debbie Nigro Show
Once a week I do my best to share information that I come across that might benefit others like me trying harder at "Keeping the Live in Alive!" I've posted the entire live Wellness Wednesday radio show here but in case youre in a hurry, I've summed up this week’s show highlights. #CrepeConfession: My only use of the word 'crepe' used to be in combination with the word 'paper' as in 'crepe paper' until father time starting beating the tar out of my good looks. I didn't realize what a big problem crepe had become for the world. Now I'm doing my part to try and correct...
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Fun, fast “Wellness Wednesday” highlights from The Debbie Nigro Show—aka 'Keeping the Live in Alive!'
The Debbie Nigro Show
Once a week I do my best to share information that I come across that might benefit others like me trying harder at "Keeping the Live in Alive!" I've posted the entire live Wellness Wednesday radio show here but in case youre in a hurry, I've summed up this weeks show highlights. #CrepeConfession: My only use of the word 'crepe' used to be in combination with the word 'paper' as in 'crepe paper' until father time starting beating the tar out of my good looks. I didn't realize what a big problem crepe had become for the world. Now I'm doing my part to try and...
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Human Connection Is Medicine. Celebrate “Talk to a Stranger Week” with Pete Bombaci of GenWell
The Debbie Nigro Show
Every once in a while, the universe taps you on the shoulder and says, “Here ya go … this one’s one of yours.” That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Pete Bombaci, Founder & CEO of GenWell, Canada’s Human Connection Movement — and the man behind Talk To A Stranger Week, happening November 24–30 in Canada. As many of you know, I’m the author of How To Talk To Strangers: Advice From a Professional Stranger Talker, so when I found out about Pete’s work, I thought, “Yup. This is my kinda guy. He won't be a stranger for long! "...
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Human Connection Is Medicine. Celebrate “Talk to a Stranger Week” with Pete Bombaci of GenWell.
The Debbie Nigro Show
Every once in a while, the universe taps you on the shoulder and says, “Here ya go … this one’s one of yours.” That’s exactly what happened when I discovered Pete Bombaci, Founder & CEO of GenWell, Canada’s Human Connection Movement — and the man behind Talk To A Stranger Week, happening November 24–30 in Canada. As many of you know, I’m the author of How To Talk To Strangers: Advice From a Professional Stranger Talker, so when I found out about Pete’s work, I thought, “Yup. This is my kinda guy. He won't be a stranger for long! " LOL Pete and I are...
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Why a Virtual Assistant Might Be the Best Business Decision You Haven’t Made Yet
The Debbie Nigro Show
Are you overwhelmed, overextended, and still thinking “Eh, I’ll just do it myself—it’s faster”? Yes? Well the right answer should be NO. That’s entrepreneur delusion talking. I know I am one and I'm not the best dekgator and yes I too try and do far too many things myself. On The Debbie Nigro Show, I linked up with the fabulous Jenna Eichholtz, partner at VA Growth Solutions, who popped in from Pennsylvania to drop some serious wisdom about delegating like a boss—without actually becoming a bossy boss. Here’s the big takeaway: You don’t need a full team… you...
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From Courtroom to Bagel Boss: How Beth George Is Training a New Wave of Bagel Entrepreneurs
The Debbie Nigro Show
I always try and bring the sunshine and some good energy and often I like to bring some good bagels. Today if you use your 'smellavision' link ( only kidding there is none - yet lol ) it smells like fresh bagels! I want you to meet Beth George, former attorney turned bagel whisperer and owner of Bagel-ish in Beacon, NY, and wow… this woman is rising dough and raising entrepreneurs. Beth’s origin story is pure heart: in 2006 she started baking to help her son manage health and behavioral issues—researching the gut–brain connection long before it was trendy. That journey led her...
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Sometimes a Simple Act of Kindness Is the Miracle Someone Needs to Move Forward
The Debbie Nigro Show
On this week’s Keeping the “Live” in Alive segment of The Debbie Nigro Show, I was joined by my longtime gal pal (though we’ve never actually met in person!) Linda Arroz, who’s on an inspiring new mission in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Linda is helping raise funds for a short social impact film called Awakening Georgie — a powerful narrative about the hidden struggles of traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors and the miracles that can come from compassion. “Thirty percent of injury-related deaths in the U.S. are caused by a traumatic brain injury. That’s a lot. We need to...
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Ozempic Teeth? My Dentist Weighs In On This Surprising Side Effect
The Debbie Nigro Show
On The Debbie Nigro Show, I like to dig into stories that make you go, “Wait, what?!” This week’s head-turner: “Ozempic Teeth.” Yep, that’s the headline making waves, and I knew I had to call in my go-to expert, Dr. John Castanaro of Castanaro Dental in Yonkers, NY, to help get to ‘the tooth of the matter’. What Are “Ozempic Teeth”? GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have taken the world by storm for their weight-loss benefits. But dentists are warning about side effects showing up in the mouth. According to Dr. Castanaro: “It’s not the drug...
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Montaukila Tequila —a Textbook Case of Entrepreneurial Grit!
The Debbie Nigro Show
On The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the pleasure of spotlighting Simon Cascante, founder of Montaukila Tequila. Boy oh boy his story sure is a shining example of one of my favorite sayings - “Risk It! or Regret It!" Simon skipped college, started bussing tables at the Lobster Roll in East Hampton, and took the long road to launching his own spirit’s brand. No investors. No celebrity endorsements. Just grit, Google, and a dream. That persistence led him to cold-call nearly a dozen distilleries in Mexico until one finally said yes—thanks to a VP who had once vacationed in...
info_outlineLove Innovation and Love People Who Risk Change. The Historic Otesaga Resort In Cooperstown N.Y. going strong now for 112 years, decided to try something new this year! Winter!
Located in what’s been called "Americas Most Perfect Village", the historic Otesaga known for summer fun is now staying open for the Winter. The place shouts 'winter wonderland' with its picturesque twinkling holiday lights, festive decor and often a blanket of snow during the winter months. A nice idea to consider for the most wonderful time of the year without breaking the bank since their winter rates are 40% off.
Do you know they have an outside ‘Fire Bar'? It's been the screen shot on my iPhone since the last time my boyfriend Dave and I were there. (See the screenshot I just snapped while typing this.)
I fell in love with the Otesaga in Cooperstown when we went to The Baseball Hall of Fame a few years ago. I always wanted to go back and stay there so this week we did. I was craving a safe cozy short road trip and this sure did the trick.
Cooperstown is like a snow globe town, and while there this week I saw my first snow of the season. The Otesaga which has typically known for its warm weather outdoor activities, fabulous grounds, outdoor pool and magical golf course on the lake is now also a great cozy place to check in and chill out this time of year. Think cozy lobby fireplace; beautiful rooms with a Keurig machine; warm bubble baths in a big clean tub (I took 4); massages in the Hawkeye Spa, and a crazy delicious gigantic breakfast buffet. (Why I feel compelled to try every single thing at a buffet I'll never know.)
Friendly cocktails, bartenders and friendly people in the Hawkeye Bar & Restaurant and delicious dining. (Loved that the chef indulged my ridiculous request for two different sauces because I couldn't decide) The place is perfect for any reason, business or pleasure and especially a romantic getaway.
We arrived at night so I didn't see the view from our room till I opened my eyes in the morning and saw the beauty of Otsego Lake out my room window. Wow.
I invited Tjibbe Lambers (pronounced Chib-Ba) originally from the Netherlands, now a Cooperstown resident and also the Dir. of Mkt for The Otesaga to join me. He shares some of the ‘firsts’ they're offering this winter like ‘The Home For The Holidays Special’ and ‘The Holiday Lantern Tour’ & their 'Arthur Family Getaway' Package ( think beloved series of children's books). He also talks about all the great Baseball legends The Otesaga has hosted over the years and the incredible display of wine glasses engraved with the name of each Baseball Hall of Fame Inductee showcased in their hallways. The ones with the white roses I observed were to honor those who had passed. The Otesaga also honors the Cooperstown areas' Indian Heritage and Farmers Museum.
The town of Cooperstown is a little quiet in Winter but there are always interesting people who are drawn there all year long. We met a great fun gal who stays there regularly for business in the Hawkeye Bar. Gina from Texas! You'll meet her in the podcast. A fun working mom of 15 year old triplets (imagine?) She's a riot and a top level consultant in the healthcare industry. I chose her to be my featured ‘Random Run In’ of the trip”.
I love Random Runs and talking to interesting strangers. That's a favorite sport of mine that had to be tabled due to the pandemic. Now that I’m 'triple vaxed' as I like to say - I’m feeling more confident about getting back to doing it. I'm on a 'stranger talking' comeback tour now .
In Cooperstown I chatted with Gina mentioned above as well as her smart gal pal boss who sadly lost a child and wrote a book in his honor who I'll invite on a future show. I enjoyed a chat with a famous Rabbi & his wife, a cool guy with a pony tail working to bring technology to rural communities, and a terrific fun younger couple Dave and I met at Cooley’s Stone House Tavern in town. While there, the young fella loved Dave’s music choices on the jukebox so much he sent us over a drink for his good taste! LOL. We joined them and connected over music and his gal pals love of talk radio. I also loved talking to all the different people who live and work in Cooperstown year round. Interesting to note there are many happy 'couples' who live there and work together at The Otesaga all year.
Cooperstown if you've never been there is located in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains and is a convenient drive from several Mid-Atlantic and Northeastern cities including Washington, Baltimore, Philadelphia, Harrisburg, New York, and Boston.