Fill To Capacity (Where Heart, Grit and Irreverent Humor Collide)

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In this moving episode, Aidan Ryan—writer, publisher, and filmmaker discusses his deeply personal book, I Am Here - You Are Not - I Love You. The book unearths the extraordinary yet overlooked lives of Cindy Suffoletto and Andy Topolski, two groundbreaking artists who came out of Buffalo’s raw, experimental 1970s art scene and made their mark in the intense 1980s–90s New York art world.

As Aidan retraces their artistic journey, he explores the realities of ambition, sacrifice, and reinvention. Why did Cindy, a fiercely talented artist, step away from her own work for so long? Why did Andy, a visionary artist, not receive the recognition he deserved? How does memory transform loss into rediscovery? And what role does place play in shaping who we are and how we are remembered?

With a writer’s sharp insight and a nephew’s deep love, Aidan brings their story back to life—offering a stirring meditation on art, legacy, and the unseen forces that shape creative lives.

Don’t miss this powerful conversation about art, history, the influence of place, and the enduring ties that bind us beyond time.

(( A special thank you to Mick Cochrane, Canisius University Professor  for introducing me to Aidan Ryan—his thoughtful connection made this conversation possible, and I’m truly grateful.))

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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Misinformation floods the internet. Can you separate fact from fiction?

In this must-hear episode, Brittani Kollar, Deputy Director of MediaWise at the Poynter Institute, breaks down the rise of online deception—and how you can fight back.

·      The biggest red flags of online misinformation

·      How AI, deepfakes, and clickbait are changing the game

·      Why speed is overtaking context in today’s news

·      Practical fact-checking strategies anyone can use

·      The real impact of misinformation on public trust, elections, and everyday life

In a world flooded with half-truths and viral lies, we are not powerless. Every fact we check, every rumor we stop, and every truth we stand by matters.   So, are you ready to scroll smarter, question sharper, and stay MediaWise? Tune in now!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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What happens when a top-tier athlete, defined by discipline and control, is faced with a rare illness and the collapse of an 18-year marriage? Risa August got off her couch, named her tumor “Bubba,” grabbed her bike, and rode 1,845 miles down the Pacific Coast, battling pain, gale-force winds, and heartbreak.

In this gripping episode, Risa shares how she traded perfectionism for authenticity. From wearing Wonder Woman tutus during radiation treatments to trekking Machu Picchu, her story isn’t just about surviving—it’s about redefining what it truly means to live.

Tune in as Risa inspires us to let go of what holds us back, wear imperfection like a tiara, and live life fully unleashed. This conversation will leave you breathless, motivated, and ready to face whatever life throws your way.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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Reimagine women’s healthcare! This episode explores the groundbreaking work of Herself Health, redefining care for women 65+ with a bold, whole-person approach. 

Join Becca Kummer, Clinic Manager, and Morgan Lange, Physician Assistant, as they share how they’re charting new paths with empathy, connection, and innovative value-based care—giving women the respect, attention, and healthcare they deserve. Packed with insights and powerful stories of transformation and resilience, this is not just medicine—it’s a movement!

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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What happens when a crow with serious attitude takes to the skies? A flight path you won’t believe! Sometimes, it’s in the smallest acts of defiance that we find our truest strength. 

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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What do coral reefs, the Heartland and a student at Southern Illinois Univ. have in common? A groundbreaking journey to save our oceans. Dive deep with Ashlynn Shea, a zoology senior and coral conservation advocate, whose work in a landlocked lab is transforming the future of marine biology.

From studying coral microbiomes to dreaming of heat-resistant reefs, Ashlynn is tackling climate change one flow rate at a time. Learn how the Saluki Coral Farm is redefining aquaculture and why coral reefs—the "canaries of the ocean"—are essential for life on Earth.

Get ready to explore the depths of innovation making waves of change far from the shore." 🌊

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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What do metronomes, circles, and chemical reactions have to do with the new year? Find out in this 5-minute episode where anxiety meets purpose, and the sacred takes center stage.

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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Listen as Joan Vorderbruggen, a visionary force in public art and creative place-making reveals how art can revolutionize communities. Through Minnesota's beloved Dayton's holiday displays and the new Twin Cities Public TV (TPT) documentary "Remember the Magic," she weaves together cultural preservation, community transformation, and art's power to drive social change.

Her work spans from "blazering up" for boardroom presentations to organizing community celebrations in challenged urban spaces.  Joan's raw authenticity reveals how art can combat homelessness, bridge divides, and turn despair into hope and connection.

She describes working with unsheltered individuals, empowering youth through creativity, and changing perspectives - even among skeptical civic leaders. 

Joan's radiant spirit and profound wisdom reminds us that saving cultural treasures isn't just about preserving the past - it's about igniting the sparks that light our collective future.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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In this riveting episode, Cheri Witt-Brown, a visionary leader, shares how she transformed Greeley-Weld Habitat for Humanity into a beacon of innovation and hope. Building has always been in her DNA—from childhood days on her dad’s construction sites to leading the charge on groundbreaking affordable housing solutions.

A devastating 2013 flood in Northern Colorado became a turning point in her life, compelling her to join Habitat for Humanity and take on one of today’s most pressing challenges: affordable housing. Cheri reveals how Habitat bridges divides—uniting communities, volunteers, and even political opposites—to create pathways to home ownership and build generational wealth.

Discover the far-reaching impact of transformative projects like Hope Springs, a nationally celebrated development redefining what inclusive, community-focused affordable housing can achieve. Through bold partnerships and visionary leadership, Habitat is rewriting the rules of housing equity.

This episode is a powerful testament to what’s possible when vision meets action—proving we’re not just building houses, we’re building futures.

Today's episode is brought to you by the Joan of Arc Scroll Medal, a beautiful brass alloy medal, designed by award-winning artist, Pat Benincasa. This uniquely shaped medal is ideal for holiday or as a special occasion gift!    Visit www.patbenincasa-art.com

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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When the world spins out of control, how do you find your center? Join me for an 8-minute journey that turns a snow globe into a radical map for surviving chaos. 

Please Note: The views expressed by our guests do not necessarily reflect the views of the podcaster.

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