Stephen Caldwell Reinvented the Tater Tot – And Fed the Homeless Doing It. A Great Risk It! or Regret It! Comeback Story.
Release Date: 06/11/2025
World-Class Sleep Pioneer Says What You Eat Determines How You Sleep
The Debbie Nigro Show
Sleep issues are a BIG deal—just ask someone who’s been up all night involuntarily. More than half of all Americans have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Good sleep is critical for "Keeping the 'Live' in 'Alive'! I had a ‘Random Run In’ with Dr. Marie-Pierre St-Onge, PhD, a nutrition scientist and a pioneer in the field of sleep health. I was on an Amtrak to Boston, and I happened to choose the seat next to her. She was working diligently on her computer. I kept sneaking peaks at the bright fun patterned shirt she was wearing that I finally figured out reminded...
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The Longevity Trend: Adding More LIFE to Your Years!
The Debbie Nigro Show
Keeping the “Live” in Alive! – This Week’s Wellness Wednesday Recap of the upbeat show and podcast. By Debbie Nigro There’s a massive global shift happening—and it’s all about longevity. Not just living longer… Living BETTER, longer. We’re talking: Adding life to your years Not accepting “my best days are behind me” A whole new chapter mindset Your BEST chapter might be coming… but only if you act like it matters. “Longevity isn’t about adding years to your life—it’s about adding more LIFE to your years.” That’s the whole...
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My “Secret” Project Revealed: How a Random LinkedIn Connection Led Me to Alert Pop™ (And Why I’m So Excited About It!)
The Debbie Nigro Show
Okay… BIG moment. I'm finally shared something I’ve been working on behind the scenes for almost a year—and let me tell you… it’s one of those “how did this even happen?!” stories that I LOVE. It all started with a random LinkedIn connection. You know how sometimes you just click with someone instantly? That’s exactly what happened when Stephen Caldwell connected with me—serial entrepreneur, big thinker, and now… my partner-in-good-commotion. What started as a simple connection turned into a wildly exciting collaboration built on mutual respect, shared...
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Keeping the “Live” in Alive! From Laughter Science to Caffeinated Lollipops! Let's Roll
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some days on the show just feel good from the first minute… and this was one of them. I kicked off rocking my “Attitude is Everything” mug, reminding myself—and all of you—that good energy is a choice! And on Wellness Wednesday, I’m all about finding ways for us all to feel more alive, more connected, and honestly… more joyful. And guess what? Science says I’m onto something. The Science of Laughter (Yes, It’s a Real Thing!) Came upon a story about—the science behind why we laugh. Turns out… laughter isn’t just about something being funny....
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Who is "The Most Interesting WOMAN in the World"? (Surprise! She’s Over 50 and Still in the Game!)
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some people do their best thinking on a walk. Me? I do my best thinking in the shower. So I was thinking in the shower about how “The Most Interesting Man in the World” is back — yes, that guy, Jonathan Goldsmith, returning as the Dos Equis spokesperson after a ten-year hiatus, now with a funny “amnesia” twist and a whole lot of nostalgia. And while I do appreciate a sexy, wise older gentleman with an open collar and a “stay thirsty, my friends” vibe, my shower thoughts flowed to this thought: “Okay… but where is the campaign for “The Most Interesting WOMAN...
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When Travel, Humor & Human Connection Collide
The Debbie Nigro Show
When Travel, Humor & Human Connection Collide: A Joyful Conversation with Melissa Rodway Some of the best stories on The Debbie Nigro Show start with a “premonition.” You know… that little voice that says to someone, “I should reach out to Debbie.” And when that voice belongs to someone with great energy, curiosity, and a whole lotta heart? I listen. That’s exactly how I connected with Melissa Rodway—Toronto-based travel storyteller, longtime host of Fly Travel Radio, part-time adventurer, occasional stand-up comic, and author of the five-star Amazon hit The People You...
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More Parts Than a Chicken Nugget—and Still Rocking Life
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some conversations stop you in your tracks—in the very best way. This Wellness Wednesday on The Debbie Nigro Show, I met a man whose story is the definition of still in the game. Meet B.J. Odom—radio veteran, comedian, podcaster, author, and a living, breathing miracle. B.J. has survived two transplants (a heart and a kidney), multiple surgeries, radiation treatments, and a lifetime of medical curveballs that started before he was even two years old. Doctors once told his parents he likely wouldn’t live past his teens. He’s now 70 years young… and funnier than ever. His...
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“Leave It to Norwegians in Florida to Convince Me Cold Weather Is Good for Me”
The Debbie Nigro Show
Some of the best radio & podcast conversations start exactly where you don’t expect them to…like poolside in Florida—in bathing suits, no makeup, and not a business card in sight. That’s how I met Kari Berit—in what I call a “Random Run-In.” Kari and her hubby were on two lounge chairs in the sun at a hotel pool in Florida. The only other slice of sun not being blocked by our mutual hotel building was hitting a lounge chair right next to them. This cold, pale New Yorker wanted that only other sunny spot, but I didn’t want to be a too-close lounger (kinda the same as a...
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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...
info_outlineAs heard on The Debbie Nigro Show – Wellness Wednesday Edition
Move over French fries, there's a new crispy craving in town — and it’s doing more than just satisfying your snack attack. It’s feeding schoolkids, shaking up convenience stores, and making waves nationwide. Meet Stephen Caldwell, founder of Stuft Tots™, the world’s first patented stuffed shredded potato bite.
These aren’t your average tots. Think crispy outside, gooey inside — filled with real Wisconsin cheese, veggies, or meats — all under 60 calories, gluten-free, non-GMO, and made with just five clean ingredients.
Stephen’s inspiration? A cheese-stuffed hashbrown he tasted at a catering event in Brazil that gave him goosebumps. Unable to find anything like it back home in Portland, he and his wife Lory turned their kitchen into a lab (with help from Oregon State’s food incubator) — and later, their tot mission into a movement.
But this isn’t just a food story. It’s a comeback story.
After losing ‘everything’ in a business betrayal, the Caldwell’s literally started from scratch. They spent 15 months hand-making 2,000 tots a week — simultaneously feeding the homeless in partnership with the Oregon Food Bank. Alongside their two daughters, they turned hardship into purpose and passion.
Fast forward to today! The Stuft Tots™ story now includes:
· Winner of Convenience Store News 2024’s Best New Product Award!
· Loved by high schoolers in Alameda CA School District (8700 students’ approval)
· Blew the doors off a Holiday Station Stores test run — selling out 40,000 lbs. of tots in 6 days
· Now powered by high-speed “co-extruder” machines in a booming Las Vegas production facility
· Soon to be in stadiums, schools, coffee chains, and convenience outlets nationwide
Stephen’s motto? “If everybody waited for money to start a business, no businesses would be started.”
AND check out Stephen’s Feature Story in the June issue of the Food Industry’s Premier News Source: “Total Food Service” a fantastic publication published by Fred Klashman which features exclusive Q&A Interviews with influential chefs, hospitality trendsetters, and foodservice operators, as well as the latest foodservice industry news on products, trends, associations, and events.
Stephen Caldwell’s inspiring journey is a powerful reminder to - as I always say… “Risk it! or Regret it!”
And trust me — once you try Stuft Tots™, you can’t un-taste the magic.
I loved this guy’s passion, comeback story and his Stuft Tots™ so much I’m want to help him succeed by helping him expand.
If you’d like a personal introduction to Stephen just direct message me and I’ll set it up asap. Want to be one of the first to bring them to your school, stadium, store, or bar/restaurant? Get in touch.
Tune in to this energetic podcast interview with Stephen Caldwell heard live on The Debbie Nigro Show - but only if you want to hear a really authentic story told by a truly gritty and great entrepreneur.