Hassan Stevens on Good Life Youth Foundation: Hip-Hop, Entrepreneurship, and Helping High-Risk Youth Thrive Matt Masur of Good News York interviews Hassan Stevens, a Bronx native and former radio/TV personality (Hot 97.9, Power 106.9, NewsChannel 9) who founded the Good Life Youth Foundation after the media industry downsized. The nonprofit serves high-risk, system-involved, and struggling students in Syracuse and ESM schools, using hip-hop culture to connect youth to entrepreneurship as a “survival framework” to help them thrive long-term and reduce recidivism. The organization runs programs and studios at 101 Wyoming Street (music, content creation, photography, and promotional printing) and has helped students graduate and attend college, including Syracuse University and OCC. Stevens shares funding needs, upcoming fundraisers (Aug 12 golf tournament with Impel, Aug 27 Love Handles event, Oct 3 gala at The Mitzvah), partnerships (Micron, Annie E. Casey Foundation, NYS OCFS), and a $3.2M capital campaign to create a hip-hop youth entrepreneurship center. He also discusses his ventures That Good Media and Hippoh Nation apparel with NFC-enabled hoodies. 00:00 Thriving For Life 00:21 Meet Hassan Stevens 01:05 From Radio To Purpose 02:02 Good Life Youth Mission 02:53 Youth Success Stories 03:32 Entrepreneur Paths For Kids 04:18 Studios And Startup Skills 05:08 Scale And Funding Challenges 06:18 Breaking Into Industries 07:44 How To Support The Program 09:00 Partners And National Model 10:39 Referrals And Prevention Gap 13:21 Hip Hop Center Vision 15:30 Hassan The Entrepreneur 18:07 Final Plugs And Farewell 18:56 Support Good News York

Andrea Dato on The Dusty and Dot Company, Puppetry, and The Hurt Monster Premiering in Syracuse On Good News York, host interviews Andrea Dato, president and co-founder of The Dusty and Dot Company, a central New York multidisciplinary creative studio focused on theater programming, education, and puppetry. Andrea shares the company’s origins with her husband and co-founder Brendan Malafronte, including their characters Dot and Dusty, and discusses their recent work on Syracuse Stage’s Frozen, where Brendan played Olaf and Andrea understudied and performed twice. She previews The Hurt Monster, a Jim Henson Foundation Family Grant–supported world premiere at Red House Art Center on September 12–13, about a girl, Kaya, in a starless world who partners with the Hurt Monster to transform hurt into healing light. The production includes a healing-sound soundscape by Tyeesha McNeal and engineered remote-controlled illumination by Think Variant, plus a post-show talkback; details at thehurtmonster.com. 00:00 Community Powered Creativity 00:27 Meet Andrea Dato 00:42 What Is Dusty and Dot 01:17 Frozen Puppetry Stories 02:58 Hurt Monster Announcement 03:25 Story Themes And Audience 04:57 Creative Team And Sound 06:46 Engineering And Light Effects 07:42 Puppet Design And Operation 08:43 Building A Creative Career 11:09 Broadway Debut And Drive 11:22 Advice For Creatives 13:31 Show Dates And Tickets 14:58 Wrap Up And Sponsors

Good News York Celebrates 200 Episodes and Announces Sponsorship Opportunities Matt Masur hosts a special 200th episode of Good News York from their studio at the former Spaghetti Warehouse, celebrating the show’s mission to spotlight positive stories across New York State and noting the series has earned millions of views. Co-host Noah and a room of past guests briefly introduce themselves and share their work, including leadership development workshops combining performing arts and business concepts, CNY Jazz’s Jazz in the City concert series and education programs, community events like Winter Fair, Vera House services and shelter expansion plans, Senator Christopher Ryan’s perspective on highlighting nonpartisan community good, acting and coaching programs, Syracuse Actors Studio, a leadership author/podcaster’s new mission, cybersecurity podcasting and business growth at the Inspire Innovation Hub, local development and relationship-building, and Noah’s effort rebuilding Syracuse Improv with sold-out shows. Matt announces new sponsorship options at goodnewsyork.com/sponsor to fund content such as nonprofit profiles, restaurant videos, and small business features, and thanks the production team. 00:00 200th Episode Celebration 01:41 Meet Co Host Noah 02:31 Guest Intros Begin 03:02 Leadership Workshop Spotlight 05:49 CNY Jazz And Arts Impact 07:16 Events And Winter Fair 09:49 Vera House Community Support 11:15 State Senator On Good News 14:40 Acting Career And Classes 17:35 Syracuse Actors Studio Update 20:28 Transitions Of Hope Mission 22:35 Cybersecurity Podcast Growth 24:38 Building Relationships In CNY 26:30 Inspire Hub And Gratitude 28:51 Noah On Rebuilding Improv 31:29 Sponsorships Announcement 33:24 Looking Ahead To Episode 300 35:20 Highlights And Final Thanks 37:00 Episode 200 Wrap Up

Badger Previews Syracuse Nationals 2026: Horsepower After Hours, 7,000 Cars, and Family Fun On Good News York, host interviews Brian “Badger,” operations manager for the Syracuse Nationals, described as the largest car show in the Northeast, held July 16–18 at the New York State Fairgrounds. Badger outlined extensive week-of setup logistics involving trailers, tents, generators, electricians, and coordination with a small 6–7 person core team supported by volunteers, local car clubs, and security. He previewed Thursday’s “Horsepower After Hours” kickoff party with $5 after 5 admission, lowrider exhibitions, modern muscle cars on a dyno with Mobile Dyno Masters, a stereo competition, Nitro Row cars, and live music from 80s/90s cover band The Arcade (7:30–9:00). The weekend includes the Wall of Death, celebrity appearances (Russ Bros, Candy Clark), over 7,000 cars, about 90,000 attendees, and family-friendly policies; tickets and info are at syracusenationals.com, with camping at capacity. 00:00 Thursday Night Kickoff 00:24 Meet Badger 00:57 Nationals Dates and Venue 01:23 Behind the Scenes Setup 02:55 What to Expect This Year 04:23 How Big Is It 05:27 Families and Future Fans 06:30 Must See Cars and Displays 08:07 Tickets Registration and Camping 09:19 Wrap Up and Studio Outro

Good News York: Gracie Thorpe on Crouse Health Foundation’s Polo for Preemies and Supporting the NICU On Good News York, host Noah Chrysler interviews Gracie Thorpe, interim executive director of the Crouse Health Foundation, the fundraising arm of Crouse Hospital. Thorpe highlights the upcoming Polo for Preemies event on Sunday, July 26 at the Skaneateles Polo Fields, featuring a live polo match, food trucks, adult beverages, and a kid zone, with proceeds supporting Crouse’s neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). She explains how donations can be unrestricted or directed to specific funds, units, scholarships, or projects. Thorpe describes the NICU’s regional role across 14 counties with 17 affiliate hospitals, caring for about 900 infants annually, and notes event funds support equipment and other needs. She also mentions the Crouse Health Classic raising $320,000 for a transport isolette, and the Oct. 2 Tribute Evening honoring Melanie Littlejohn at Turning Stone. 00:00 Crouse Family Spirit 00:16 Welcome and Guest Intro 00:33 Polo for Preemies Overview 01:19 Planning and Community Partners 01:47 Foundation Fundraising Role 02:35 Where Donations Go 03:37 Inside the NICU Program 05:35 How Event Funds Help 06:11 Other Signature Events 06:57 Tickets and Volunteer Info 07:22 Tribute Evening Gala Preview 07:55 Why Gracie Loves the Work 09:15 Giving Myths and Tips 10:13 Final Thanks and Sign Off 10:40 Show Outro and Sponsor Plug

Brandon Ciotti on Building Central New York Stand-Up, Writing Jokes, and Upcoming Palace Theatre Showcase On Good News York, host Noah interviews stand-up comedian and improv performer Brandon Ciotti from Utica, New York, who began comedy about four years ago and has been performing around the state. Ciotti promotes a July 17 showcase at the Palace Theatre on James Street in Syracuse (doors 6:00/6:30, show 7:00, tickets on the Palace website) featuring Becky Wiggins, Connor McCann, Jason Gowan, Tommy Armstrong, and Abdul Hadi. He discusses adapting stories into tight stand-up by trimming “fat,” using punchlines, and relying on pauses and a Cliff Notes-style set list, as well as shifting from shock humor to more clever, self-deprecating material. They talk about improv vs. stand-up, building community, marketing niche live events, and the persistence and driving required to grow the CNY comedy scene, including a July 14 open mic showcase at Johnny B’s Tavern in Rome. 00:00 Writing Stories Into Bits 00:33 Meet Brandon Ciotti 02:12 Showcase Details And Lineup 05:36 Why Not NYC Yet 05:58 Standup Vs Improv Grind 09:20 Bombing And Finding Voice 10:43 Big Unlock Going Clever 12:49 How Brandon Writes Jokes 14:36 Improv Teamwork And Nerves 17:34 Building CNY Comedy Scene 19:43 Love Of Black Box Rooms 20:40 Monday Show Hack 20:59 Holiday Booking Nerves 21:23 Anxiety vs Optimism 21:48 Writing With Friends 22:46 Open Mic Showcase Plan 24:02 Building The Local Scene 25:37 Marketing Niche Live Events 27:24 Raymond Paintball Pitch 30:23 Flyers And Weird Formats 31:59 How To Start Stand-Up 34:17 Bucket Pull Signup System 35:02 Tough Rooms And Bar Crowds 36:22 Thanks And Studio Outro

Frank Malfitano Previews the 40th Syracuse International Jazz Fest (July 9–12) Host Matt Masur interviews Frank Malfitano, founder and longtime producer of the Syracuse International Jazz Fest, who describes the festival as a free, community-supported labor of love rather than a money-making venture. Malfitano highlights the event’s inclusive “big tent” audience and family-friendly atmosphere, and outlines the 40th anniversary schedule: July 9 at Syracuse University’s National Veterans Resource Center featuring the U.S. Air Force Airmen of Note big band; July 10–11 at Beacon Skiff Apple Orchards in Lafayette with acts including Hijira (Joni Mitchell’s jazz), Dumpstaphunk paying tribute to Sly & the Family Stone, Tower of Power, Nathan Williams & the Zydeco Cha Chas, Gunhild Carling, and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue; and July 12 at SU with a free picnic lunch. Details are at syracusejazzfest.com. 00:00 Jazz Joke Cold Open 00:16 Meet Frank Malfitano 01:10 What Is Jazz Fest 02:16 Festival Vibe And Audience 03:23 Opening Night At NVRC 05:55 Beacon Skiff Venue Move 06:55 Friday Night Lineup Highlights 08:10 How They Book Big Acts 09:37 Food And Visiting Syracuse 12:24 Saturday Night Louisiana Party 14:06 Sponsors And Community Legacy 15:21 Dates Website And Farewell

Micron Project Update: Bechtel, Local Hiring, and Major Investments Coming to Central New York Host Matt Masur interviews Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon about major developments tied to Micron at White Pine Business Park in Clay, including preparation for foundation pours and a roughly $1B initial construction contract leading to vertical construction. McMahon highlights Bechtel as the phase-one builder for two fabs and describes local labor requirements and the project labor agreement prioritizing hiring through union halls before bringing in outside workers, alongside regional training efforts. He also notes major wastewater infrastructure investments, including an industrial project won by Kiewit, and addresses that CHIPS-related benefits are performance-based and tied to job creation. Additional updates include Clay’s $30M community host agreement with Micron, Micron’s $250-per-child boost to federal “Trump Accounts,” TTM Technologies’ expansion, and broader regional momentum in high-tech manufacturing and supply-chain recruitment. 00:00 Construction Oversight Plan 00:23 Welcome to Good News York 01:21 Micron Build Begins 04:20 Local Hiring Commitments 06:47 Tax Incentives Explained 08:52 Clay Host Agreement 12:21 Kids Savings Boost 15:40 Beyond Micron Growth 19:11 Investing in Future Sites 22:04 Wrap Up and Next Steps

Ronald McDonald House Central New York: Supporting Families & Christmas in July Host Noah Chrysler interviews Beth Trunfio, president and CEO of Ronald McDonald House Central New York, about how the organization removes barriers for families with hospitalized children by providing a free home-like stay with amenities such as beds, home-cooked meals, shuttle support, and community among other families, serving those coming from across New York State and beyond for care at Syracuse hospitals like Crouse Hospital’s Level IV NICU and Golisano Children’s Hospital. Beth explains families are referred through hospital providers and social workers, and shares how arriving families often feel immediate relief and support. She highlights the “Christmas in July” donation drive on Thursday, July 23 (10 a.m.–4 p.m.) and throughout July, including drop-offs and an Amazon wishlist, plus gift cards and practical items. Beth also notes a refreshed brand look, partner programs like a Crouse hospitality cart, volunteer opportunities, and tells a story likening the House’s support to holding an umbrella in a rainstorm. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:25 What Ronald McDonald House Does 01:55 How Families Stay and Get Support 03:30 The Emotional Impact for Families 05:07 How Referrals Work 05:46 Christmas in July Drive 07:21 Drop-Off Details and Website 08:34 Rebrand and New Programs 09:17 A Story That Sticks 11:45 How to Volunteer and Get Involved 12:40 Closing and Sponsor Shoutouts

Spotlighting Utica’s Small Businesses with Keith Brown (Community Lens Media & Love Living Local 315) Matt Masur of Click Stream Studios interviews Utica-area marketer and content creator Keith Brown about his work promoting positive stories and small businesses through Community Lens Media and Love Living Local 315. Brown explains how he helps mom-and-pop shops—especially local food spots without big marketing budgets—gain visibility by sharing their stories, and how he teaches a monthly “smartphone toolkit” content creation class at Mohawk Valley Community College. He describes starting during COVID by filming simple phone videos highlighting open restaurants, learning editing through “YouTube University,” and growing into a broader network that spotlights people, places, and events, including his “Coach’s Corner” segment. They discuss Utica foods like chicken riggies, the value of collaboration and networking, and where to find Brown on social platforms. 00:00 Welcome and Setup 00:35 Meet Keith Brown 02:19 Helping Small Businesses 03:17 Utica Food Talk 03:46 Riggis Favorites and Origins 06:08 Love Living Local 315 07:20 Started During COVID 09:30 Positive Content Mission 11:57 Community Lens Media 13:27 Collaboration and Networking 16:49 Where to Find Keith 17:37 Wrap Up and Goodbye