Debbie kicks back with Boston comic Corey Rodrigues for a hilarious and no-holds-barred convo that was so much fun, they had to split it into two episodes.  They swap stories about life on stage, the wild ride of trying to stay healthy, and the weird pressure to lose weight when you really just want fries. Things get real as they dive into awkward workplace vibes, the rise of AI tools like ChatGPT (yes, we’re talking robot coworkers), and why keeping it authentic matters more than ever. With plenty of laughs, sharp takes, and maybe a drink or two, this episode brings the funny while still hitting those “yeah, I feel that” moments.

Topics

00:25 Catching Up and Cocktails

02:08 Weight Loss Journey and Health Challenges

03:57 Body Image and Self-Perception

06:28 Men's Health and Societal Expectations

22:40 Comedy Roots and Personal Background

36:51 Reflecting on Longevity and Success

37:08 The Drive for Betterment

38:06 Contentment vs. Productivity

38:28 Balancing Work and Passion

40:19 The Braces Effect: Overcoming Insecurities

43:55 Managing Stage Fright

56:22 Navigating the Entertainment Industry

01:02:42 Human Nature and Workplace Dynamics

Debbie is joined by her friend and fellow advocate, Chris Therrien, for a heartfelt conversation about SUNS—Standing Up for Natick Students. Chris explains how the group got started and its mission to push back against misinformation from local parental rights groups while promoting inclusion and equity in schools. They dive into the importance of representation in school curricula (and why "opting out" misses the point), the uphill battle of confronting resistance, and the emotional toll advocacy can take. Through personal stories, candid reflections, and a few laughs, this episode highlights the power of community, the importance of staying informed, and the ongoing fight for fairness and representation in education.

Meet Pam and David Griffin, the duo behind Chocolate Therapy, where every truffle comes with laughter and love. What started as a sweet twist of fate turned into a cocoa-fueled journey from corporate life to chocolate-making. From meeting Robin Roberts to landing on Oprah’s Favorite Things, they share the highs and lows of small business life including pandemic pivots like virtual tastings. With humor, heart, and a lot of chocolate, their story shows what happens when passion meets purpose.

Topics

00:25 Meet Pam and David: The Chocolate Therapy Story

01:35 Corporate America to Chocolate Entrepreneurs

02:40 Family and Personal Stories

12:08 Chocolate Therapy's Unique Flavors

27:44 Coffee Business Beginnings

29:01 Opening Cafe Coffee

29:41 Balancing Family and Business

31:04 Premature Birth and Family Support

33:37 Starbucks Competition

37:49 Naming Chocolate Therapy

44:23 Challenges of Running a Business

45:34 Family and Community Support

53:15 Current Ventures and Future Plans

54:16 A Night Out in 2023

54:26 Hotel Partnerships and Challenges

55:09 The Rising Costs of Chocolate

55:52 The Team Behind the Chocolate

57:41 Political Commentary and The Handmaid's Tale

01:00:10 Unexpected Opportunities and Connections

01:08:15 Virtual Classes and Business Adaptations

01:13:57 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Debbie sits down with chef and restaurateur, Chef Chris Coombs, for a lively chat about his wild ride from culinary school to running a restaurant empire. Chris dishes on kitchen chaos, life-changing mentors, and why he steered clear of the party scene in an industry known for excess. They dive into his latest venture, Bosse, a pickleball-meets-dining hotspot, and talk about how the food world is evolving. Chris also gets real about his son's health battles and how they reshaped his outlook on life. It’s a heartfelt, behind-the-scenes look at the hustle, heart, and humor of life in (and out of) the kitchen.

Debbie is joined by the unstoppable Greta Bajrami, co-founder, CEO, and the powerhouse behind Golden Group Roofing. From her roots as an Albanian immigrant and teen mom to building a thriving construction empire with her husband Freddy, Greta’s story is nothing short of inspiring. They dive into the wild ride of entrepreneurship… the wins, the wipeouts, and everything in between. Along the way, Greta shares how integrity, grit, and community helped her rise, even through recent personal health battles. Plus, she spills the tea on her latest ventures: the Rootless app, her buzzing marketing agency, and an exciting new podcast she’s launching with her daughter. This episode is all about resilience, reinvention, and keeping it real.

The Golden Group:

https://goldengrouproofing.com/

Topics

00:33 Pouring Drinks and Casual Conversation

02:14 Meeting at the Women's Conference

04:13 Greta's Background and Early Challenges

05:11 Teen Pregnancy and Overcoming Stigma

17:58 Starting Golden Group and Early Struggles

23:31 Turning Point and Business Growth

25:49 The Importance of Charity and Giving Back

26:33 Winning the Golden Hammer Award

28:29 Starting Rootless and Its Mission

29:28 Overcoming Challenges as an Immigrant Entrepreneur

34:52 Weight Loss Journey and Health Challenges

44:51 The Loneliness of Success

50:37 Future Plans and Legacy

In this heartfelt and engaging episode, Debbie sits down with her longtime neighbor and friend, Chanie Fogelman of the Chabad Center in Natick. They take a warm stroll down memory lane, reflecting on their journey as neighbors and diving into the beauty and meaning of Shabbat. Chanie opens up about the rich traditions of Orthodox Judaism from the deep symbolism of the mikvah to the sacred rituals of marriage, and the unique, inspiring role of a Rebbetzin. She also shares personal stories from her own marriage, her path in education, and the deep-rooted community work she’s passionate about. This conversation is a celebration of faith, family, and the power of living with purpose and tradition.

Chabad Center Natick:

https://www.chabadnatick.com/

https://www.facebook.com/chabadnatick/

00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Chanie Fogelman

00:45 First Toast

01:48 Discussing Orthodox Judaism and Matchmaking

04:33 Chanie's Family and Marriage

08:58 Orthodox Jewish Wedding Traditions

13:19 Chanie's Personal Stories and Background

15:06 Life as a Rabbi's Wife

24:27 Shabbat and Community Involvement

34:56 Discussing the Role of Orthodox Jewish Women

36:31 Education and Career Paths for Orthodox Jewish Women

39:46 The Sanctity of Gender and Marriage in Judaism

43:08 The Tradition of Wearing Wigs

48:43 Empowering Jewish Women and Community Involvement

54:51 The Importance of Shabbat

01:00:56 Daily Life and Responsibilities

01:10:43 Concluding Thoughts and Farewell

Deb talks with longtime friend Malik Williams. They dive into the joy of their reunion, discussing their past in the hospitality industry and Malik's impressive career as an Emmy-nominated composer. Over drinks, they explore the struggles and triumphs of maintaining creativity, mental health, and personal growth. Malik shares intimate stories from his challenging upbringing and stresses the importance of fatherhood, community involvement, and mentorship. The conversation is filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and reflections on what it means to be resilient and purposeful in life.

Topics

00:30 Whiskey Talk and Toasts

02:42 Hospitality Days and Reconnecting on LinkedIn

06:54 Parenting and Personal Growth

10:54 Creative Pursuits and Music Industry Insights

28:46 Groupie Life and Celebrity Encounters

29:37 Working with MCA Records

29:45 Life at Bobby Brown's House

30:48 Navigating the Music Industry

32:56 Growing Up in a Big Family

33:35 Mentorship and Giving Back

41:01 Experiences with Racism and Violence

48:24 Reflections on Community and Mentorship

55:21 Martial Arts and Coping Mechanisms

56:06 Mental Health and Personal Growth

58:36 Dealing with Family Tragedies

01:01:09 Emmy Nominated Documentary

01:02:54 Music and Emotional Expression

01:15:09 Physical Activity and Mental Health

01:17:30 Parenting and Personal Reflections

01:20:51 Conclusion and Contact Information