Youth sports have changed, and for parents, athletes, and coaches, navigating the pressure can be harder than ever.

In this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, Kate and Doreen sit down with Coach Amanda Frost, founder of Fusion School of Basketball in Red Bank, NJ, for an honest conversation about youth sports, basketball training, parenting athletes, mentorship, and what kids really need to succeed both on and off the court.

Amanda is a former multi-sport high school standout and Division II athlete who has spent years coaching and mentoring young athletes throughout Monmouth County. Through Fusion School of Basketball, she works with players from their first experience with basketball through elite high school and college-level training.

They talk about the growing pressure around travel teams, AAU basketball, tryouts, playing time, and year-round sports, along with how parents can support their kids without adding unnecessary pressure.

The conversation also explores why developing the whole athlete matters, including accountability, discipline, confidence, leadership, resilience, and learning how to handle both success and setbacks.

Amanda also shares the story behind Fusion School of Basketball, its involvement with Red Bank Recreation, and its programs for athletes ranging from Mini Ballers starting at age 4 through advanced and college-level players up to age 24.

If you're a parent of a young athlete in Monmouth County, Red Bank, Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Middletown, or the Jersey Shore, this episode offers practical perspective on navigating today's competitive youth sports environment.

In this episode:
🏀 Youth sports pressure and year-round commitments
👨‍👩‍👧 Supporting young athletes without adding pressure
💪 Building confidence, discipline, leadership, and resilience
🏆 Travel basketball, AAU, tryouts, and skill development
🤝 Mentorship and giving back to the Red Bank community
🏀 The story and programs behind Fusion School of Basketball
🎓 Amanda's journey from athlete to coach

About Brewed in Monmouth

Brewed in Monmouth features conversations with the people, businesses, entrepreneurs, experts, and community leaders shaping life in Monmouth County and along the Jersey Shore.

What does it really take to build, renovate, and grow a contracting business in Monmouth County, NJ?

On this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, Kate Raftery sits down with Trevor Munson of Reidy Contracting Group for a behind-the-scenes conversation about construction, contracting, real estate, and doing business at the Jersey Shore.

Trevor shares his perspective on today’s construction industry, the challenges contractors and homeowners are facing, and what goes into successfully completing projects in one of New Jersey’s most competitive real estate markets. We also talk about the changing landscape of Monmouth County, the relationship between construction and real estate, and what Trevor sees ahead for our local communities.

Whether you’re a Monmouth County homeowner considering a renovation, a real estate professional, a local business owner, or simply interested in the people building and shaping the Jersey Shore, this episode is for you.

🎙️ Brewed in Monmouth spotlights the entrepreneurs, businesses, community leaders, and local stories that make Monmouth County, New Jersey such a special place to live, work, and call home.

Featuring: Trevor Munson, Reidy Contracting Group
Hosted by: Kate Raftery | NextHome Peninsula Realty Group

Follow Brewed in Monmouth for more conversations with the people behind Monmouth County’s businesses, real estate, food, wellness, and community.

What happens when tarot, creativity, self-care and a little bit of magic come together?

On this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, Kate Raftery sits down with Alaina Hucke, founder of Lightcraft Studio, to explore the inspiration behind her unique approach to intentional self-care.

From tarot and oracle cards to custom bath salts, herbs, rituals and intention setting, Alaina has created an experience designed to help people slow down, tap into their intuition and make self-care feel personal again.

Alaina shares the story behind Lightcraft Studio, how the idea came to life, and what she’s learned building a business around creativity, connection and ritual. We also get into entrepreneurship, following your intuition and why sometimes the most interesting businesses are the ones that don't fit neatly into a box.

If you're curious about tarot cards, oracle cards, bath rituals, mindfulness, holistic wellness, manifestation, self-care or women-owned small businesses in New Jersey, you'll love this conversation.

🎙️ Brewed in Monmouth brings you conversations with the entrepreneurs, creators, business owners and interesting people who make Monmouth County and the Jersey Shore such a special place to live, work and build a business.

Featuring: Alaina Hucke, Founder of Lightcraft Studio
Hosted by: Kate Raftery | Brewed in Monmouth

Search topics: Lightcraft Studio, Alaina Hucke, tarot cards, oracle cards, bath salts, self-care rituals, intention setting, mindfulness, holistic wellness, women entrepreneurs, New Jersey small business, Monmouth County NJ, Jersey Shore, Brewed in Monmouth podcast.

🍷 What does it take to build a successful winery right here in Monmouth County?

On this episode of Brewed in Monmouth, Kate Raftery sits down with Joe Casola of Fox Hollow Vineyards in Holmdel, New Jersey to talk wine, family, farming, entrepreneurship, and the story behind one of Monmouth County’s local wineries.

Joe takes us behind the scenes of Fox Hollow Vineyards, sharing how the winery came to be, what goes into growing grapes and making wine in New Jersey, and what it’s really like building and running a family business.

We talk about the winemaking process, the challenges and rewards of New Jersey agriculture, the growth of the local wine industry, and what makes Fox Hollow Vineyards such a unique destination in Holmdel.

Whether you’re searching for New Jersey wineries, wine tasting in NJ, things to do in Monmouth County, or local businesses in Holmdel, this episode gives you an inside look at the people and passion behind Fox Hollow Vineyards.

🍷 Featured Guest: Joe Casola, Fox Hollow Vineyards
📍 Location: Holmdel, New Jersey
🎙️ Podcast: Brewed in Monmouth
🎤 Host: Kate Raftery

Brewed in Monmouth brings you conversations with the entrepreneurs, business owners, creators, community leaders, and local personalities who make Monmouth County such a special place to live, work, and visit.

Subscribe for more stories from around Monmouth County, New Jersey.

#FoxHollowVineyards #BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCounty #HolmdelNJ #NewJerseyWine #NJWinery #WineTastingNJ

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with the mother-daughter team behind Pyour Core to talk about what it takes to build a fitness business rooted in community instead of competition.Their path into the industry started with dance, not weightlifting — and that background shaped an approach to fitness that puts mindset and connection ahead of the workout itself. In this episode, they walk us through their signature "lab" and boot camp classes, why they've built their brand around unexpected venues, and what it takes to turn a fitness studio into a true local gathering spot.In this episode, we cover:✔️ How a dance background led to building a fitness studio from the ground up✔️ The philosophy behind prioritizing mindset and community over just the physical workout✔️ Inside Pyour Core's "lab" and boot camp classes — resistance bands, beat-based training, and infrared heat✔️ Why hydration and electrolytes matter more in heat-based fitness classes✔️ How Pyour Core partners with local entrepreneurs to host events on golf courses, rooftops, and beaches✔️ Building an all-ages "club vibe" for health and wellness in Mammoth CountyWhether you're into fitness, curious about local entrepreneurship, or just want to see what community-first business looks like in action — this one's worth a watch.👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County!#BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCountyNJ #PyourCore #FitnessCommunity #MammothCounty #NJPodcast #LocalBusiness #MonmouthCountyBusiness #RealEstateNJ

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Dr. Nasser of the Advanced Center for Reconstruction in New Jersey for a conversation that may change the way you think about migraines — and who can actually treat them.

Dr. Nasser specializes in peripheral nerve microsurgery and works at the intersection of plastic surgery, neurology, and pain management. In this episode, he breaks down why so many migraine sufferers spend years without real relief — and the surgical and non-surgical options that exist when standard treatment isn't enough.

In this episode, we cover:
✔️ What migraines actually are neurologically — and why they're not just "bad headaches"
✔️ Occipital neuralgia: how compressed nerves at the back of the skull can trigger full-blown migraines
✔️ The diagnostic path — from neurological evaluation and imaging to nerve block injections
✔️ Why plastic surgeons, not just neurosurgeons, play a key role in nerve decompression surgery
✔️ Non-surgical options including Botox, medication, and nerve blocks before considering the OR
✔️ What recovery looks like — and why managing this condition is a long-term team effort

Whether you're someone living with chronic headaches, a caregiver, or simply curious about what cutting-edge nerve surgery looks like in New Jersey — this episode is worth your time.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County!

#BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCountyNJ #DrNasser #AdvancedCenterForReconstruction #MigraineRelief #OccipitalNeuralgia #NerveSurgeryNJ #NJPodcast #LocalBusiness #MonmouthCountyBusiness #RealEstateNJ

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, Kate and Doreen sit down with Neil Surgenor, Mortgage Loan Officer with Truist, to unpack a lending program that most medical professionals — and even many real estate agents — don't know exists.

Neil has built his practice around helping doctors, dentists, and other high-earning professionals navigate one of the most misunderstood corners of the mortgage market. In this episode, he breaks down exactly how the Physician Loan Program works, who qualifies, and why getting educated early in the process changes everything.

In this episode, we cover:✔️ How Truist's Physician Loan Program works — 100% financing up to $1M, no mortgage insurance✔️ Why student loan debt doesn't disqualify medical professionals the way it does with conventional loans✔️ How residents and fellows can secure a home up to 90 days before their start date using only an offer letter✔️ How skipping the 20% down payment can actually strengthen your offer in a competitive market✔️ The Premier Program for attorneys and other professionals — 10% down with no mortgage insurance✔️ Why working with a knowledgeable lender early in the process is the move most buyers wish they'd made sooner

Whether you're a physician just finishing residency, an attorney buying your first home, or a real estate professional looking to better serve your clients — this episode is essential listening.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County!

#BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCountyNJ #NeilSurgenor #TruistMortgage #PhysicianLoan #DoctorMortgage #NJPodcast #HomeLoansNJ #MonmouthCountyRealEstate #RealEstateNJ #FirstTimeHomeBuyer #MedicalProfessionals

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Trevor Munson, architect and entrepreneur behind REIDY Contracting Group, to talk about what it really takes to build something that lasts — from commercial spaces to company culture.

Trevor has spent his career working at the intersection of design, construction, and client partnership in Monmouth County. In this episode, he shares what separates the projects that succeed from the ones that don't — and why the best builders aren't just thinking about opening day.

In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why Monmouth County is attracting serious commercial development post-COVID✔️ The shift from new construction to adaptive reuse — and why it makes sense right now✔️ What makes an ideal client (hint: it starts before the blueprints)✔️ How REIDY builds its workforce — hiring for work ethic, not just credentials✔️ Trevor's core advice for business owners: stop, pause, and be intentional

Whether you're a local business owner, a developer, or just curious about what's being built in your backyard — this one's worth a listen.

👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County!

#BrewedInMonmouth #MonmouthCountyNJ #REIDYContractingGroup #CommercialConstruction #TrevorMunson #AdaptiveReuse #MonmouthCountyRealEstate #NJRealEstate #BuildingMonmouth #LocalBusiness

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Tara from Taylor Home Designs to talk about the art and strategy behind professional home staging — and why it can be one of the smartest investments a seller makes before listing.Tara found her way into staging after a career change following the loss of her father, encouraged by a colleague who recognized her natural design eye. Ten years later, she's built a business that helps sellers across the area present their homes in the best possible light — from occupied homes that need decluttering and depersonalizing, to vacant properties that need furnishings to feel like a home again.In this episode, we cover:✔️ Why staging helps buyers emotionally connect with a space✔️ The difference between staging occupied vs. vacant homes✔️ Practical tips on odors, curb appeal, and decluttering before you list✔️ How Tara manages the logistics of a full professional stage✔️ Her consulting service — a written, room-by-room prep plan for sellers who want a roadmapWhether you're thinking about listing soon or just want to know what goes into getting a home market-ready — this episode is for you.👉 Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more local stories and real estate insights from Monmouth County!#MonmouthCountyNJ #HomeStagingTips #BrewedInMonmouth #TaylorHomeDesigns #SellingYourHome #RealEstateNJ #HomeStaging #MonmouthCountyRealEstate #NJRealEstate #StagingYourHome

This week on Brewed in Monmouth, we sit down with Michelle Higgins, owner of Fine Flowers and Gifts in Middletown, NJ, to talk about her inspiring leap from a 36-year career in radiology to running a beloved local flower shop.

After decades specializing in mammography, Michelle took a chance on a new chapter—one rooted in the same values of connection, care, and community that guided her first career. Today, she leads a shop known for personalized service, curated gifts, and floral designs crafted by her expert team, Katie and Jessica.

In this episode, we cover:✔️ How Michelle transitioned from healthcare to small business ownership✔️ Why personalized service still wins over big-box convenience✔️ Current wedding floral trends—from minimalist bud vases to smaller bridal posies✔️ The emotional impact of flowers during life's biggest moments✔️ How Monmouth County's family-run businesses support one another

Whether you're a Monmouth County local, a small business lover, or someone dreaming about your own career reinvention—this episode is for you.