Norm welcomes Sam Simon, host of the new podcast "Technocracy for Dummies" and a Bard art history major specializing in experimental humanities. Sam explains the evolution of technocracy from its origins as a vision of scientific governance to today's reality of tech billionaires wielding unprecedented power over government and society.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm is joined by Rhinebeck's own Adele Abide. Raised in the Mississippi Delta as a Lebanese-American, Adele shares her journey of culture shock upon arriving at the Rhode Island School of Design to study fashion. She reflects on creating her own line of dresses, transitioning to become creative director at a garden furniture company, and eventually establishing an interior decorating firm alongside her husband. Throughout the conversation, Adele discusses the influence of her family, the unique experience of growing up in a small southern town, and her winding path through fashion, art, and design, a journey that led her to finding both personal and professional fulfillment in the Hudson Valley.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm sits down with Sheri Sceroler, a dynamic presence in the Hudson Valley who brings Louisiana charm to upstate New York. For 26 years, Sheri has made the region home, zipping around town on her bike or in her vintage MG convertible complete with racing number, playing competitive tennis, and building a thriving real estate career in Rhinebeck. Hailing from a culinary family in Baton Rouge, Sheri shares her journey from growing up in her family's French seafood restaurants to her varied pursuits in the Hudson Valley—including her time at the Omega Institute exploring spiritual practices and running a pet sitting business before transitioning into real estate.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm welcomes Lara Gillett, whose remarkable journey took her from Westville, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa to the Hudson Valley by way of UC Irvine, Wharton, Wall Street, and corporate America. Now a leadership and empowerment coach, Lara shares her stories from including her background in financial services, her transition into corporate consulting, and her current work helping others develop emotional intelligence. Beyond coaching, she's a self-proclaimed member of a motorcycle gang with a passion for riding, a ceramic artist running her own pottery business, and an active volunteer at a local food pantry.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm welcomes back Karen Sullivan, the Irma Brandeis Professor of Romance Literature and Culture at Bard College, to explore the history and traditions of Halloween. They discuss its pagan origins in Ireland, the lore of fairy folk, and the essential Celtic holidays. Professor Sullivan shares insights on the Salem Witch Trials, examining the cultural and historical forces behind the hysteria and its tragic consequences. The conversation touches on writers like Nathaniel Hawthorne and Umberto Eco and their connections to these themes, while also exploring spectral evidence, the social dynamics of the era, and the lasting impact of these events on American history.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm talks with Michele Linnen, who left Rhinebeck in the 1960s and went on to live in D.C., the U.K., France, Germany, and Honduras. She's worked for the Peace Corps, for two U.S. senators, and as a child therapist. Michele shares her remarkable journey, from finding inspiration in Gertrude Stein's legendary Paris salon to forging her own path across continents. Now back in Rhinebeck, she hosts Salon 33, a venue for creative and interesting thinkers. Michele discusses her European adventures, her work as a photographer, and how her carefully curated salon gatherings have evolved over the years.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm welcomes author, illustrator, teacher, and all-around artistic badass, Peter McCarty. He's written and/or illustrated dozens of books and won all the awards. They discuss his latest graphic novel and magnum opus, 'The Five Wolves.' They explore Peter's creative journey from children's picture books to complex graphic novels, discussing artistic inspiration, the decades-long process behind his work, and what it means to chase the muse. Peter shares insights on why publication dates matter, how he crafted this ambitious work over many years, and what exciting projects are coming next.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm welcomes dancer and choreographer Kati Garcia-Renart for an conversation about flamenco, family heritage, and the transformative power of dance. Kati opens up about her formative years training in Spain, her work as a dance instructor at Simons Rock, and the rich historical legacy that shapes her artistic practice.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm sits down with Robert Kirwood, a Rhinebeck native and seasoned bartender who's served everyone from local regulars to celebrities. Growing up in Rhinebeck and now tending bar at Rhinecellar, Kirwood shares stories from his 40-year career, from making his first cocktails to crafting classics like 'The Last Word.' The conversation covers the Beatles, booze trivia, bartending through the pandemic, innovative drink recipes, and the art of handling troublemakers with grace. Packed with humor, anecdotes, and infectious enthusiasm, they celebrate a shared passion for mixology and bar culture.

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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Norm chats with Michele Montalbano, the Director of Programming and Outreach at the Starr Library in Rhinebeck. Michele shares insights on her Sicilian heritage, her journey into library sciences (which has included work as a teacher, archivist, literary agent, writing tutor, and crossword aficionado), and the rewarding human-centered aspects of her work. Discover her innovative programming, from writing workshops with local authors to her excitement about the upcoming Mad Hatter Ball fundraiser. Michele also dives into her personal experiences with literature, music, and the importance of play and creativity in her life. Special mentions include Jennifer Breslin, Lesa Cline-Ransome, and the unique challenges and rewards of working in libraries today. It's a tribute to the vital role of libraries in fostering community and preserving freedom to read."Read a book!"

Produced by Norm Magnusson, Jennifer Hammoud, and Matty Rosenberg @ radiofreerhinecliff.org

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