Weekly Editorial Roundup

Returning on this week’s editorial roundup is Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News. Today Bob joins Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, as well as Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, to give listeners a health update after his recent 16-day stay in the hospital due to a diabetic foot ulcer. Dumas talks about the outpouring of support and well wishes he has received, and host Brett Freeman shares some of the latest news out of Mahopac, including the heartwarming story of the community rallying behind a Fulmar Road third-grader who was recently diagnosed with aplastic anemia.

Walogorsky offers some exciting personal news, then touches on the upcoming elections in Somers and North Salem, and provides details on an ongoing larceny investigation in Somers. Marschhauser talks about his unique baseball collection, a possible hybrid model for Town Hall meetings in Yorktown and Katonah, and his interview with a local family who will be appearing on “Family Feud.” Walogorsky shares information on the GoFundMe pages that have been set up for the families of Christine Camarra and Dawn Herbert, and Dumas discusses the “Back the Blue” walk in support of Putnam police officers, as well as the Mahopac Street Fair.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines, including Bob Dumas of Mahopac News, who has just recently returned after a stay in the hospital
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, also join this week’s editorial roundup
• Dumas shares the story of his emergency surgery due to a diabetic foot ulcer that had become infected, as well as the outpouring of support and well wishes he has received from the Mahopac community
• Heartwarming story of the Mahopac community rallying around Olivia Cipollone, who was diagnosed with aplastic anemia, a very rare blood disorder
• Former columnist of the “Ask Shana” advice column tragically died of complications related to a hysterectomy surgery
• Congratulations to Walogorsky, who’s getting married on September 25
• Upcoming elections in Somers and North Salem
• New York State Police are asking the public to help them identify a "subject" as part of a larceny investigation in Somers
• Marschhauser and his wife have set out to see all 30 major league baseball stadiums, and have collected baseballs from each one
• Possible hybrid model for Town Hall meetings in Yorktown and Katonah, where some council members can participate over Zoom if they do not want to be masked
• Poor traffic planning around fast food restaurants
• Marschhauser spoke with the Bonitatibus family from Yorktown, who will appear on the new season of "Family Feud" on October 11
• GoFundMe pages have been set up for the families...

On this week's editorial roundup, host Brett Freeman welcomes two new voices from our Halston Media team: Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times reporter, Nick Trujillo; and our Director of Client Content and Marketing, as well as our Business and Special Sections editor, Vim Wilkinson. Trujillo and Wilkinson join the show along with Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record, to discuss what they’re currently working on and which stories they’re most excited about moving forward.

Wilkinson begins with some of her hyperlocal Special Sections and Business features, and Walogorsky gives an update on some fun events and fundraisers happening in the Somers community. Walogorsky offers his sincere condolences to the families of Dawn Herbert, Christine Camarra, and Michael Bonelli Jr. And you’ll hear about the return of North Salem’s Homecoming on September 25. Freeman gives an update on local news in Mahopac, including the passing of Howard Beyersky. Next, Trujillo touches on the American Ultimate Disk League playoffs at the Granite Knolls Sports Complex, and offers his thoughts on reintroducing Ultimate Frisbee to Yorktown. He also talks about a new tattoo parlor opening in Yorktown, “Bee Inked,” and shares the fascinating life story of owner Gianna Caranfa.

Today’s episode also includes a COVID-19 update in the Lakeland Central School District, information about Yorktown’s latest efforts to help with the climate crisis, a conversation about the affordable housing debate in Yorktown and Westchester, and a discussion about Yorktown’s upcoming Town Council election. 

Episode Highlights:

• Nick Trujillo and Vim Wilkinson join the show today, along with Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times, and Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record
• Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News, is currently in the hospital due to complications related to diabetes, and we wish him a speedy recovery
• Wilkinson begins with information on the Special Sections Fall Guide, including apple picking at beautiful local farms
• The hyperlocal focus of these Special Sections is top priority
• Part of Wilkinson’s role is dealing with businesses, marketing, and bringing interesting content about businesses to readers
• For example, a new baker has moved to Somers, and she is very passionate about clean eating - she will be launching a new column about having a Zero Waste kitchen
• Wilkinson and Walogorsky recently met for the first time in person after only working together remotely at a 5k fundraising event for the Somers Library Foundation
• Walogorsky offers his sincere condolences to the families of Dawn Herbert and Christine Camarra
• Somers will have a “Big Bang” Fireworks Show at Reis Park on September 18, 2021
• There will also be a “Celebrate Somers” street fair on September 25, 2021
• Several kids in North Salem started a lemonade stand to raise funds for

Neil Herman is a retired FBI agent and was one of the lead investigators involved with US counterterrorism operations after the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993. He worked for the FBI from 1974 until his retirement in July of 1998, and he is currently a resident of Somers. Today Herman joins host Brett Freeman to discuss the many incidents of international and domestic terrorism that he investigated over the course of his distinguished career with the FBI. He begins with a detailed timeline of terrorism cases he worked in New York City through the 1970s to the 1990s, including the Unabomber investigation, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, and the murder of Meir Kahane in 1990. He then recounts the first World Trade Center bombing in 1993, and explains how this ultimately led to the tragedy of 9/11.

Herman shares his own personal experience of watching the events of September 11, 2001 unfold on television, and his initial hunch that al-Qaeda was responsible. He speaks about the toll that terrorism investigations can take on both victims and agents, and explains why cooperation between local, federal, and international law enforcement is so essential when working these cases. Freeman asks Herman what mistakes our federal government made leading up to 9/11, how he feels about current events in Afghanistan and having unvetted refugees in our country, and how he became one of the first in America to learn who Osama bin Laden was. Herman offers his perspective on whether the Patriot Act has been used in excess, our position in Guantanamo Bay, and what lies ahead for the future of terrorism in America. He reflects on the cyclical nature of international and domestic terrorism, and shares his concerns about declining support toward law enforcement, as well as misinformation being perpetuated on social media. 

Finally, you’ll hear about the great personal sacrifices made by Herman’s family throughout his career, the invaluable relationships he developed during his time as an agent, and how his early experience in journalism school helped him transition to his post with the FBI. Herman concludes with what he loves most about living in Somers, and explains why moving there was one of the best decisions he ever made for himself and his family following his retirement from law enforcement.

Episode Highlights:

• Today’s guest is retired FBI agent and Somers resident Neil Herman 
• Herman joined the FBI in 1971, became a Special Agent in 1973, and was transferred to New York in 1974
• This is when the modern age of international and domestic terrorism began (Summer Olympics in Munich, Puerto Rican Independence Movement, LaGuardia Airport Bombing, car bomb at Dupont Circle, Croatian Movement)
• Weather Underground Task Force was formed under Ken Walton and Bob McGuire in May 1980; this was responsible for investigating domestic and international acts of terrorism
• The Weather Underground terrorist group, in conjunction with the Black Liberation Army, killed a Brinks security guard and two police officers on October 20, 1981
• Herman was involved with investigations such as the Unabomber case, the bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 in 1988, the murder of Meir Kahane in 1990, and the first World Trade Center bombing on February 26, 1993
• The first World Trade Center bombing in 1993 set the tone for what became of international terrorism around the world
• Several defendants fled the country - each extradition had to be coordinated through the Justice Department
• Ramzi Yosef was one of the main perpetrators in the 1993 World Trade Center bombing
• The most significant bridge between the 1993 World Trade Center bombing and 9/11 was the Bojinka Plot, which was a large-scale, three-phase terrorist attack planned by Ramzi Yousef and Khalid Sheikh Mohammed for January 1995
• Herman was also...

On this week's editorial roundup, host Brett Freeman welcomes back our Halston Media newspaper editors: Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News. 

They begin by discussing the recent flooding around Lake Mahopac, local events being planned to commemorate the 20th anniversary of 9/11, and a moving military tribute held by the Yorktown Lions Club. They review upcoming plans to reduce rush hour congestion on Route 684, as indicated by the New York State Department of Transportation. Walogorsky shares an exciting development regarding The Schoolhouse Theater in North Salem, and Marschhauser shares an update on the January 2021 arrest of former Yorktown highway superintendent and former Chamber of Commerce president, Eric DiBartolo.

Next, Dumas talks about his personal experience contracting COVID this past week, and moving forward as he finishes up his 14-day quarantine. He also touches on his upcoming story about three Mahopac and Carmel heroes who helped with the Rescue and Recovery on 9/11, and what the 20th anniversary means to them. You’ll hear about local efforts to reduce the stigma around opioid addiction and overdose, and today’s conversation wraps up with a preview of our editors’ fantastic stories to come.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines 
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• Flooding around Lake Mahopac
• Local events to commemorate the 20th anniversary of September 11, 2001
• Yorktown Lions Club tribute to the 13 soldiers who were killed in Afghanistan
• Department of Transportation plans to ease rush hour traffic on Route 684
• Enormous cost of road projects and repaving
• The town of North Salem has officially voted to take ownership of The Schoolhouse Theater
• Update on Eric DiBartolo arrest in January 2021
• Dumas has worked through several health issues through the pandemic, most recently COVID
• In addition to the symptoms that come along with COVID, the virus has also exacerbated pre-existing health issues
• Dumas contracted COVID despite being vaccinated, and he is thankful that he only developed a mild case of it
• Many firemen and policemen in Carmel and Mahopac assisted with the Ground Zero Rescue and Recovery on 9/11
• The 20th anniversary is bringing up emotional memories for them
• August 31 is International Overdose Awareness Day
• Drug Crisis in Our Backyard aims to remove the stigma around opioid addiction and overdose
• Volunteer Ambulance Corps is finally able to recruit new volunteers as COVID restrictions are gradually lifted
• In getting ready to re-open, the Par 3 Golf Course in Yorktown clear cut an estimated...

On this week's editorial roundup, host Brett Freeman welcomes back our Halston Media newspaper editors: Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News. They discuss local news and headlines, beginning with several special events to memorialize the upcoming 20th anniversary of 9/11. They offer updates on mask and vaccine mandates in their respective school districts, Walogorsky makes an exciting announcement for North Salem internet users, and Marschhauser speaks to the struggle that many small businesses are facing to recruit new employees. Marschhauser puts out a call to action for more local contributors to his newspapers, and Walogorsky pitches an enticing idea for a new monthly column.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines 
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News and The Katonah Lewisboro Times; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• Local events to memorialize the 20th anniversary of 9/11
• Putnam County Youth Court Program is one of 25 organizations in the country being honored on September 11
• Yorktown has unveiled a memorial mural done by local artist Christopher Rios
• Mask and vaccine mandates in local school districts
• If children are masked and stay three feet apart, they will not need to quarantine if they come into contact with another student who has COVID but is asymptomatic
• Walogorsky shares that 5G is coming to North Salem
• Marschhauser is working on a piece about businesses not being able to recruit new employees
• Lewisboro has issued an emergency order that people must wear a mask inside public places - but it mostly falls on small businesses to enforce this
• Marschhauser is also looking for more local contributors to give his publications more local flavor

Quotes

“Anthony DiCarlo, the superintendent, has already indicated that they will obey mandates simply because if they didn't, and somebody got very sick or died from [COVID], they could be held liable.”

“I think that's the main reason they really want the masks, is it affects the quarantine.”

“[North Salem] is going to be going with the mandate from the new governor...it's going to be required masking for all students K through 12, as well as faculty. And staff will either have to be vaccinated, or they're going to have to submit to weekly testing.”

“Basically, the way 5G works is that you need to have more antennas and towers. And the more of those you have, the better connectivity you have, which allows more people access to 5G.”

“I have a feeling if you asked people, Do they want 5G in their town? The answer will be yes. Do they want it in their backyard? Probably no.”

“I think everyone should work those jobs. I worked retail, I worked in a grocery store, I...

On today’s episode, host Brett Freeman welcomes back our Halston Media newspaper editors: Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News. They join the podcast to discuss the week’s biggest local headlines, beginning with an update on marijuana dispensaries in Yorktown. Marschhauser explains that despite the town board voting to opt out of marijuana dispensaries, there was a local petition to overturn this decision, which has since shifted focus elsewhere. Walogorsky and Dumas also talk about their local Board of Education meetings regarding masks for students and faculty for the upcoming school year, with Freeman offering his perspective as a parent. Finally, Marschhauser, Walogorsky, and Dumas conclude today’s roundup with the most notable stories happening in their respective towns this week, as well as what they’ve got percolating for next time, and share the positive feedback they’re received from readers who appreciate the hyper-local focus of our publications.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines 
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• Marschhauser begins with an update on marijuana dispensaries in Yorktown, and a local petition to overturn the town board's vote to opt out
• There may be other northern Westchester communities who are more open to this possibility - potentially Bedford, Newcastle and Peekskill
• Recreational dispensaries will probably show up first in facilities that are currently offering medicinal marijuana
• There was huge interest in Bob Dumas’ podcast episode about his marijuana arrest
• Walogorsky provides an update on the latest Somers Board of Education meeting regarding masks for students and faculty for the upcoming school year
• At least one person had to be removed from the meeting by the police department
• Dumas shares what happened at a similar Board of Education meeting in Mahopac
• One parent was frustrated that remote learning is not being offered for students who do not want to wear a mask at school
• We are fast approaching the beginning of the school year and big decisions have yet to be made
• Freeman shares his perspective as a parent
• Marschhauser talks about the abrupt closure of a winery at St. George, which operated in Mohegan Lake on Route 6 for over ten years
• Readers appreciate the hyper-local focus of our papers
• North Salem story about four of nine siblings who were all pregnant at the same time during the pandemic
• Freeman warns listeners about a scam targeting Halston Media
• Dumas gives an update on an ongoing issue regarding a county police patrol boat being pulled off of Lake Mahopac

Quotes

“This is a town board that is vehemently opposed to this - they voted 5-0 to opt out. They made it very clear they do not want dispensaries in...

Joining the show today is former New York State Assemblyman and former State Senator Greg Ball. Ball represented the towns in our newspaper coverage area, Mahopac, Somers, Yorktown, North Salem, Katonah, Lewisboro, and other surrounding towns, from 2007 to 2014, before moving to Fredericksburg, Texas and embracing family life on the farm. Today he speaks with host Brett Freeman about his time in politics, where his journey has taken him since leaving New York State, and how entrepreneurship has pushed him to grow. He shares his appreciation for small business owners, offers his perspective on the difference between doing business in Texas versus New York State, and tells Freeman about his farm and upcoming winery. You’ll also hear Ball’s opinions regarding our country’s handling of COVID, the current political and racial divisions in America, Governor Andrew Cuomo’s recent resignation, as well as illegal immigration. Finally, Ball details his decision to leave politics behind him and concludes with his plans for the future.

Episode Highlights:

• Today’s guest is former New York State Assemblyman and former State Senator Greg Ball
• Ball represented the 40th Senate District, comprised of all of Putnam County, northern Westchester County, and eastern Dutchess County from 2007 to 2014
• He has since moved to Texas, where he has started a family, launched a business, and hosts polo tournaments
• Ball recently opened a seafood restaurant called Martini’s
• Doing business in Texas versus New York State
• Small business owners have to pass on costs of increased taxes and fees - this creates an environment where you only have the very rich and the very poor
• Taxes, regulations, and fees are much more expensive and stringent in New York, making Texas a much easier environment to do business
• Ball operates a working farm with several different types of animals and an upcoming winery
• Ball’s current thoughts about how we as a country have handled COVID
• He also shares his opinion about the critical race theory debate and feels that there is racism on both sides in this country
• Governor Andrew Cuomo’s resignation
• Illegal immigration concerns in America
• Ball’s decision to leave politics and his plans for the future

Quotes

“It's been a tremendous journey after leaving the People's Republic of New York State.”

“I started with nothing. I came here - people probably wouldn't believe it, but I was probably $300,000 in debt and got in my truck with my dog and...drove to Texas and had no clue what I was going to do. And where I am today - it's been a huge sacrifice and tons of work. And we're not out of the woods yet. But I continue to push and grow and push and grow.”

“I have so much more respect now for small business owners and what they put up with every day.”

“Highly driven, successful people are going to push forward no matter what.”

“I believe that you can treat people like adults, you can treat small business owners like adults, you can treat superintendents of schools like adults. Governments should trust the people, people should not trust the government. And the people were completely capable of instituting best practices throughout this without running a nanny state and dividing the country into essential and non-essential.”

“[The pandemic] showed how willing the American people, including in the great state of Texas, how willing people are to give up their liberty.”

“You could have allowed businesses to do what they do best, which is they could have been the frontline of defense, to protect their customers and protect their employees.”

“We have a deeply divided country. It

On today’s episode, host Brett Freeman welcomes back three editors from our Halston Media newspapers: Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News. They join the podcast to discuss the week’s biggest national and local headlines, beginning with Governor Cuomo’s resignation following numerous allegations of sexual harassment. They offer their predictions for what might happen next, and whether Governor Cuomo will be indicted. You’ll also hear an update on mask mandates within local school districts and statewide, and Dumas details a rather eventful encounter he had while receiving his second COVID-19 vaccination. Finally, Marschhauser, Walogorsky, and Dumas tell Freeman what’s been going on in their respective towns this week, and give listeners a preview of the exciting stories they’re working on next.

Episode Highlights:

• Three editors from the Halston Media team join the show today to discuss current news and headlines 
• Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• After their conversation on the podcast last week, they were all very surprised that Governor Cuomo actually resigned
• Internal politics going on within the Democratic party of New York state
• Mask mandates within different school districts and the state as a whole
• Some believe future Governor Kathleen Hochul will issue a statewide mask mandate
• Bob Dumas shares an eventful experience he had while receiving his second COVID-19 vaccination
• Nothing has been officially decided regarding mask mandates for North Salem athletics
• Marschhauser is working on a story with regards to a global semiconductor shortage that’s affecting car dealerships massively
• The used car market is on fire right now
• Walogorsky shares an update on the Vox Restaurant story in North Salem
• Dumas discusses a recent town board meeting in Mahopac

Quotes

“Last episode, I said that Cuomo wasn't going to resign, and he resigned a few days later.”

“I think we're all kind of scrambling because nobody thought that he was actually really going to step down over this. So I feel like we're kind of in uncharted territory.”

“When it's partisan split down party lines, usually these things drag out, but he had so much pressure from his own party. I think that's ultimately what resulted in what we saw last week.”

“Listen, I'm sympathetic without a doubt to people who have hesitation [about the vaccine]. I personally believe it’s a personal choice. But to hear someone say that it's going to turn you into a zombie and it's about population control, I think that's crazy as well.”

“The kids had to wear masks while walking to the soccer field. But once playing, they can take their masks off, which makes absolutely no sense. Because if you're going to spread it - they're breathing on top of each other as they're kicking the ball.”

“As far as North...

Today’s guest is Assemblyman Kevin M. Byrne of the 94th District in the state of New York. Byrne resides in Mahopac with his wife, Briana. He is a Republican, and in 2018 he was one of the five state legislators with the highest rating by the Conservative Party of New York. Byrne joins host Brett Freeman to discuss the recent resignation of Governor Andrew Cuomo, why he feels it’s important for the impeachment investigation to move forward, and he offers his thoughts on why other scandals surrounding Governor Cuomo have largely been ignored by the media. Freeman asks Byrne about New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ statement in response to the 11 women who were reportedly harassed by Governor Cuomo, and Byrne shares his legislative priorities for the remainder of his term. 

On this episode, you’ll also hear about Byrne’s goals to make New York a more affordable place to live, with more economic opportunities for all demographics and businesses. He also goes into his decision to get vaccinated for COVID-19, why he does not believe in shaming or ridiculing people who may feel otherwise, and the long-term physical and social consequences we may see unfold as a result of the pandemic. Finally, Byrne discusses Lieutenant Governor Kathleen C. Hochul’s historical appointment as the first female governor of New York state, and moving on to the next chapter following Governor Cuomo's departure.

Episode Highlights:

• Today’s guest is Assemblyman Kevin M. Byrne of the 94th District in the state of New York; Byrne is a Republican
• Governor Andrew Cuomo announced his resignation on August 10, following numerous allegations of sexual harassment
• Impeachment process will still move forward as it has already been initiated and Byrne believes taxpayers deserve to learn the findings of the investigation
• The investigation also includes a number of other matters (e.g., Cumo’s nursing home scandal and how COVID-19 was handled in adult care facilities), and the public has a right to know what is found
• A conviction by the State Senate would mean that Cuomo could not run for office in the state of New York in the future
• This January, there was a report from the Attorney General which confirmed that the Governor’s Office and Department of Health underreported nursing home deaths by not including nursing home residents that contracted the virus in a nursing home and died in a hospital
• It’s important to have accurate statistics on COVID-19 so that we can identify problem areas and create better policy to handle the virus
• Byrne also holds that Governor Cuomo developed a $5.1 million book deal using state resources
• He feels that Governor Cuomo’s sexual allegations received more attention in the media than his other scandals simply because sex sells
• Byrne is committed to following through to achieve full accountability
• He offers his thoughts on Lindsey Boylan’s December 2020 tweet regarding sexual harassment that took place in 2018 and what led Governor Cuomo to finally resign
• New York State Attorney General Letitia James’ statement in response to the 11 women who were reportedly harassed by Governor Cuomo
• Byrne feels we will not be able to get anything done politically if we allow this culture of corruption to continue
• He wants to make New York a more affordable place to live with plenty of economic opportunities for all demographics, and “grow our pie” by being more welcoming to businesses
• Byrne supports vaccines and feels they’re important, but does not believe in shaming people who feel otherwise - doing this will not persuade them, it will do the opposite
• You can read his op-ed, “Why I Got...

At the top of today’s episode, host Brett Freeman welcomes three editors from our Halston Media newspapers: Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News. They discuss the recent downfall of Governor Andrew Cuomo, and the calls for him to resign following numerous allegations of sexual harrassment and sexual assault. You’ll hear their thoughts and opinions as they deliberate about extreme accountability, particularly in the Me Too era, how Governor Cuomo might move forward either by way of resignation or impeachment, and avoiding a “mob justice” mentality as these allegations have not yet stood trial or conviction at this point. Marschhauser, Walogorsky, and Dumas chat about local headlines, share the biggest stories from their respective papers this week, and give listeners a sneak peek at what they’re working on next.

Next, our host speaks with today’s guest, Randy Freeman. Freeman is one of two New York State coordinators for the nonprofit organization Braver Angels, whose mission is to bring Americans together to bridge the partisan divide and strengthen our democratic republic. Freeman is a practicing psychotherapist with her MSW and LCSW, and has moderated many red/blue workshops, and she co-hosts monthly moderator calls. She joins the show today to discuss how her background as a marriage counsellor made her a perfect fit for Braver Angels, how she applies the principles from her therapy practice to today’s political divide, and explains the importance of accepting one another’s differences to move forward together as a country. Freeman breaks down the history of polarization in the United States, and how social media has exacerbated this issue. She also offers her perspective on how to have political debates in a civilized, respectful manner, the power of allowing each side to have a voice, and why it’s actually necessary that we not agree on everything as a society.

To learn more about Freeman’s work to help red and blue individuals find common ground and depolarize American politics, visit BraverAngels.org or contact her directly at [email protected]. Thanks for listening.

Episode Highlights:

• Today’s show begins with a conversation with three editors from the Halston Media team: Brian Marschhauser, editor of Yorktown News; Tom Walogorsky, editor of North Salem News and The Somers Record; and Bob Dumas, editor of Mahopac News
• They discuss the recent downfall of Governor Andrew Cuomo and what we can learn from this turn of events
• Host Brett Freeman poses the question of whether Governor Cuomo felt so insulated from the media, that he was immune from the effects of the Me Too Movement
• Governor Cuomo does not plan to resign; Marschhauser breaks down the impeachment process
• New York State Senator Pete Harckham called for Governor Cuomu to resign, as well as anyone on his staff who was involved in the unlawful retaliation and coverup of the crisis
• This is one of Governor Cuomo’s closest allies in the State Senate
• We live in an era of the Me Too Movement and extreme accountability
• It’s important to avoid mob justice - everyone is innocent until proven guilty, and these are still allegations that have not yet stood trial or conviction...