Never Underestimate the Lasting Power of “Good Energy”
Release Date: 08/01/2025
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_outlineGood energy is like a secret superpower. You can’t see it—but you feel it. It uplifts, comforts, and lingers long after the moment has passed. I’ve been told I carry that kind of energy—and if you do too, you know it’s not something you turn on, it’s just who you are. But here’s the best part: when two people with good energy meet along life’s path, something special happens. It’s like the universe nods and says… 'Yep, this connection matters.' That’s the vibe of today’s post and podcast.
I’d like you to meet Marcus John. He is ‘good energy’. He and I go way back to when he was a young doorman in a building I lived in in Westchester, NY. There was just something special about him from the minute I met him and I loved talking to him and loved that I could always make him laugh.
When life threw me an ovarian cancer curveball back then, I chose Marcus to be my trusted driver to and from my chemo journey in NYC. I knew that he had just the right kind of good energy to help keep my spirits up as I tried to plow through the challenge of staying alive.
We talked a lot about ‘a lot’ on those rides. And he saw me at my worst. The rides started with my own hair attached to my head, then morphed into 'bald me' wearing wigs with names we’d joke about, and culminated with 'swollen me' just trying to hang in and push through. Lucky for me I did. Marcus was a light during my darkest time.
Marcus and I both moved on from that building but stayed in touch over the years. Last week he sent me a birthday text reminding me how much I adored him and his beautiful energy. I quickly threw out a lunch invite and we both immediately made it happen.
Why? Because our connection matters and because it’s important that we all try harder to see people ‘in person’ that matter to us.
We sure had some great laughs at lunch at the Cheesecake Factory which I chose because Marcus is now a ‘vegan’ and the Cheesecake Factory offers spectacular vegan options.
Turns out Marcus is now a wildly creative vegan chef with a heart (and menu) full of love.
From artichoke croquettes to his walnut meat chopped cheese sliders. and his signature ‘Rasta Pasta’, Marcus is on a mission to turn soul food into food for your soul.
His company Beyond Bussin is redefining what vegan food can be—and where it can go next (yes, a food truck is in the works!)
By the way… I learned something new. When the kids say something is “bussin’,” they mean it’s really, really good—especially when it comes to food.
So when Chef Marcus John named his vegan company “Beyond Bussin,” he was saying: This food goes beyond delicious. It’s next level.
“Vegan food can be delicious, nutritious, and comforting—like your favorite comfort food. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice joy to eat well.” – Marcus
And Marcus and I both agree:
"Good energy can’t die. You are the good energy that changes what’s around you."
Where to Find Marcus:
- Sundays: Riverdale Craft Market (260th & Riverdale Ave, Bronx)
- On a Restaurant Menu: ‘Off The Hook’, Yonkers (Rasta Pasta & Artichoke Croquettes)
- IG: @BeyondBussin
- Catering: Available for vegan-friendly events and celebrations
Enjoy this heartwarming and hilarious Wellness Wednesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, featuring special guest and star vegan chef Marcus John, founder of Beyond Bussin.