Greatitude in Action: How One Man Turned Grief Into Giving — and Coconut Water With a Purpose
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey guys, it’s Debbie Nigro — and today, I want to introduce you to someone whose spirit will stick with you long after you finish reading this. Meet John Chiorando — a brilliant businessman, devoted family man, and philanthropist — and yes, the self-proclaimed “Coconut Commander” behind the fast-growing beverage brand Once Upon a Coconut. But it’s not just about the coconuts. It’s about "Greatitude." Not a typo. It’s the name of John’s new book — a powerful message born from unimaginable heartbreak: the loss of his beautiful daughter, Nina, to a rare form of...
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Musicians United for ALS: A Star-Studded Night of Hope, Love, and Legendary Talent
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey guys, Debbie Nigro here — and if you’re anything like me, you’re holding on to hope, love, and music to lift your spirits… in spite of it all. That phrase — “in spite of it all” — felt like the perfect segue into one of the most meaningful and emotional conversations I’ve had in a long time on The Debbie Nigro Show. I had the honor of welcoming the incredible Wayne Warnicke, a legendary music producer who was diagnosed with ALS in 2022, and his powerhouse of a wife, the talented and soulful Vaneese Thomas. Together, they are the heartbeat behind Musicians United...
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Oakley Bourbon: Woman-Led Brand Making Serious Waves in a Traditionally Male-Dominated Industry
The Debbie Nigro Show
Bourbon, badass women, and a bold new brand shaking up the spirits industry? Now that’s my kind of conversation! Especially during Women’s History Month. On The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the pleasure of chatting with Molly Kingston, the trailblazing founder of Oakley Bourbon—a woman-led brand making serious waves in a traditionally male-dominated industry. And trust me, this story is as smooth and strong as the bourbon itself! A Spirit with Spirit: Inspired by Annie Oakley Molly’s inspiration? None other than the legendary Annie Oakley—the sharpshooter and symbol of female...
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We Age in Bursts? Ping Pong for Parkinson’s! and FDA Warns Strawberries May Carry Norovirus?
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey, friends! It’s your favorite delusionally young optimist, Debbie Nigro, back with another Wellness Wednesday where we keep the "live" in alive! If you missed the show, here’s a rapid-fire rundown of what we talked about—because, let’s be honest, I covered a lot. Buckle up! 1. Do We Age in Bursts? Apparently, OMG Yes! Scientists have confirmed what we already suspected—one day, you wake up and bam, you’ve aged five years overnight. Studies show major aging jumps around age 44 and 60 (so if you’re near one of those, hydrate and brace yourself). Researchers...
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I Smell a Winner! Scent Guru Sue Phillips Named Global Women Peace Ambassador. Ah The Power of Perfume!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some people walk into a room, and you just know they’re special. They’ve got an energy, a presence—maybe even a signature scent that turns heads. Well, my guest on The Debbie Nigro Show for this special Women's History Month edition is exactly that kind of person. Meet Sue Phillips, the internationally acclaimed fragrance expert, scent therapist, and newly honored Global Women Peace Ambassador! If you love a great success story, the science of scent, and a little inspiration to keep going no matter what life throws your way, this is the episode you need to hear. Sue Phillips:...
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Breaking Free from Procrastination & Limiting Beliefs with Danita Young
The Debbie Nigro Show
Ever feel like you're stuck in a loop of I’ll do it tomorrow? You're not alone! On this week's Wellness Wednesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, we tackled procrastination and the sneaky ways we self-sabotage—especially when it comes to fitness, confidence, and transformation. My fabulous guest, Danita Young, is a transformational coach and cognitive performance expert who knows a thing or two (or a thousand!) about helping people break free from limiting beliefs. From starting as a personal trainer to becoming a national bikini competitor, to creating Booty Bands (yes, you...
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Keeping The ‘Live’ In Alive! Steps, Sneakers, Skidjoring & Smiles!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Hey friends! On Wellness Wednesday on The Debbie Nigro Show, as always, we covered a LOT—from climbing steps like an Italian grandma climbs hills in the mountains to the latest in fancy sneakers, and even Coca-Cola's new "healthy" soda (who knew?!). Buckle up, because here’s your full recap of this week's shenanigans, wisdom, and wellness tips. Step It Up—Like an Italian Grandmother! I kicked off the show kinda moaning (I hate moaners) about my aching leg muscles. Was feeling every single step in my legs after just visiting my daughter’s house (which, by the way, is...
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Two Gal Pals Launch National Women’s Pickleball Foundation
The Debbie Nigro Show
Women Are Making Major Moves On The Pickleball Court Move over, fellas! Women are making major moves in pickleball, and The Debbie Nigro Show just got the inside scoop from two powerhouse ladies leading the charge—Alita Friedman and Catherine Barton. If you haven't caught the pickleball bug yet, let me break it down for you: It’s fast, it’s fun, and it’s the ultimate social sport. And now, thanks to these two trailblazers, women finally have their own place in the game with the launch of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation which joins the National Women’s...
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Science Says Flowers = Instant Happiness! Give Some and Spread the Smiles!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Flower Power: The Secret to Happiness & Wellness with Jill Brooke Hey there, flower lovers! If you’ve ever stopped to admire a beautiful bouquet or smiled at a fresh bloom, there’s a reason for that—flowers have scientifically proven benefits for our health and happiness! On the latest episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, we dove deep into the magic of flowers with Jill Brooke, founder and editorial director of Flower Power Daily. Jill, a floral historian and wellness advocate, shared some eye-opening insights about how flowers can: Reduce stress by lowering cortisol...
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Love Doesn't Always Go as Planned / Divorce + Social Media = A Recipe for Trouble!
The Debbie Nigro Show
What NOT to Do on Social Media During a Divorce – Straight Talk with Jill Spielberg Valentine’s Week is all about love, but let’s be real, love doesn’t always go as planned. And when it doesn’t, social media can make things way worse (like Exhibit A in court worse). That’s why I brought in Jill Spielberg, partner in charge of the Family and Matrimonial Law Department at Abrams-Fensterman LLP, to drop some major truth bombs about social media and divorce—what not to do, what could cost you in court, and even how to protect your kids. Biggest Takeaway? STOP...
info_outlineI'm passionate about showing people how to connect better and how to create realtionships. Realtionships matter.
In a recent episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I welcomed Donald Weber, a renowned communications coach, to dive deep into the art of empathy and how it helps us create meaningful relationships both personally and professionally.
Donald Weber, who started off as a shy introvert, shared his inspiring journey from being bullied in school to coaching some of the world's most elite leaders, including members of European royalty and Fortune 100 CEOs. His message is clear: empathy and strong communication skills can transform how we connect with others, whether in business or life.
Fostering Empathy and Meaningful Connections
One of the main topics we discussed was empathy—understanding and connecting with others by identifying their emotions. Donald stressed the importance of being self-aware and recognizing your own emotions before trying to connect with others. He emphasized that listening and showing genuine interest are key soft skills in building trust and fostering lasting relationships.
As a fellow communication expert and author of “How to Talk to Strangers / Advice from a Professional Stranger Talker”, I agree whole heartedly that empathy plays a critical role in real conversations and successful collaborations.
Donald and I also both highlighted the importance of self-control, and I threw in mention of my “24-hour rule” for managing emotions before reacting. Ah the things that come with wisdom!
Learning from the Greats
Donald Weber attributed much of his success to influences like Dale Carnegie, author of *How to Win Friends and Influence People*, as well as personal mentors like Tony Robbins and Deepak Chopra. His message to listeners was clear: continuous learning and self-improvement are critical to becoming a better communicator and leader.
Who Donald Weber Helps
Donald Weber’s clients range from high-profile individuals to top-tier organizations, all seeking to improve their communication skills. Whether in one-on-one sessions or private workshops, he provides custom training to help leaders develop empathy, emotional intelligence, and effective communication strategies. Often he dioes this very privately.
Some Key Takeaways ….
Empathy and Emotional Intelligence: Understanding others’ emotions is key to forming meaningful connections.
Active Listening: Show genuine interest in others and listen intently—communication isn’t just about talking.
Self-Awareness: Being mindful of your emotions helps you better control interactions.
The Power of Patience: Waiting to respond when agitated can improve outcomes.
Learning from the Best Books like Dale Carnegie’s “How to Win Friends and Influence People” offer valuable lessons.
Want to learn more about fostering empathy and becoming a better communicator? You can find Donald Weber online by searching "Donald Weber Communications Coach."
Want to learn how to better connect with people in person? You might want to grab a copy of my book, “How to Talk to Strangers / Advice From a Professional Stranger Talker” by Debbie Nigro. It’s only 66 pages. You can start communicating better in about an hour. LOL
Meanwhile enjoy this podcast our live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show – airing weekdays 11-12 noon EST live out of WGCH Radio studios In Greenwich, CT and airing live online at WGCH.com.
Follow me on Instargram for more of everything upbeat: @therealdebbienigro