Musicians United for ALS: A Star-Studded Night of Hope, Love, and Legendary Talent
Release Date: 03/28/2025
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_outlineHey 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 for ALS, a one-night-only benefit concert packed with iconic talent — all coming together to raise funds for ALS research and patient support.
Meet Wayne & Vaneese: They Brought Such Great Energy to the Show. Theirs Is a Love Story in Music and Resilience
Wayne’s story is one of deep passion and remarkable perseverance. From starting as a drummer at age 9 to producing legends like Bob James, Luther Vandross, and David Sanborn, Wayne’s music journey has been nothing short of epic. He fell in love with the studio life as a teenager walking into Minot Sound in White Plains — and never looked back.
And then there's Vaneese. A force of nature. A blues powerhouse. A woman who met Wayne in the studio and never left his side. Now, she’s not only singing the blues, but she’s also living with love and lifting Wayne every step of the way. “She does everything,” Wayne said, with humor in his voice and gratitude in his heart. “I'm a lot of work,” he chuckled.
And yet, his spirit is unstoppable.
Mark your calendars: April 15th at the Concert Hall at SUNY Purchase.
This ADA-compliant venue will welcome a phenomenal lineup of artists, many of whom have deep personal ties to Wayne:
Patti Smythe of Scandal
Paul Shaffer of Late Show with David Letterman fame
Average White Band (hello, 70s groove!)
Lisa Fisher, Grammy-winning vocal goddess
James "D-Train" Williams
Bob James (another Grammy legend!)
Ed Palermo Big Band
Bernie Williams, yes, THAT Bernie from the Yankees
Rising local star Elsa, guitar virtuoso Gil Parris, and more!
And hosting the evening? None other than Vinnie Pastore of The Sopranos — you know it’s going to be a blast.
The musical direction is in the expert hands of Rob Mathes, a Kennedy Center Honors-level arranger and a dear friend of the couple.
Plus, yes — there will be cocktails and hors d’oeuvres starting at 5:30pm, all included in your ticket!
Why This Matters
ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease, is cruel, mysterious, and currently incurable. Wayne’s journey with ALS began when he couldn’t quite stand up straight… then swimming got harder… and eventually, the diagnosis came. But rather than retreat, Wayne has rallied. He’s using his voice — and his incredible connections — to shine a light and raise funds.
As he put it, “If life hands you lemons, make lemonade.”
This event is about music, yes. But it’s also about love, awareness, accessibility, and hope. The funds raised will go directly toward research and patient support, and the energy in the room will be unforgettable.
Get Your Tickets or Donate Now!
Visit Musicians United for ALS to buy your tickets or make a donation. (Yes, it's tax-deductible!)
Show Wayne, Vaneese, and the entire ALS community that they are not alone.
Final Thoughts
You know, some people just have that light. Wayne and Vaneese are those people. Their love, their strength, their humor, and their commitment to turning a difficult diagnosis into a night of celebration… it's just extraordinary.
I promise you’ll be inspired listening to them both in this podcast of our live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show.