Sounds of Health

Scott Berney’s story is one of discipline, family, competition, and reinvention — and in this episode of Sounds of Health, Dave sits down with the friend who first brought him into the Medicare world more than a decade ago. Scott, now a partner at Nutmeg Advisory Group, opens up about his lifelong connection to baseball, from childhood memories of his dad hitting towering pop‑ups to his years pitching at UConn, transferring to Clemson, playing in the Cape Cod League, and ultimately getting drafted.

Together, Dave and Scott explore how sports shaped their lives, how fatherhood changed the way they coach their own kids, and how the lessons learned on the field translate directly into the work they do today in insurance and Medicare. It’s a conversation filled with nostalgia, honesty, and the kind of perspective that only comes from years of competing, growing, and adapting.

If you love baseball, personal stories, or want to hear how a professional athlete transitioned into a meaningful career helping people navigate Medicare, this episode delivers.

To reach Scott Berney:

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Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

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Kristen Johnson of BBB Connecticut joins Sounds of Health for a powerful conversation on today’s fastest‑growing scams, how AI is making fraud harder to spot, and why adopting a scam survivor mindset can help people recover emotionally and financially. Kristen shares real stories from Connecticut residents, breaks down the most common red flags, and explains how tools like BBB Scam Tracker and the Scam Survivor Toolkit can protect you before—and after—you’re targeted.

From online shopping traps to employment scams, investment fraud, and companionship scams, this episode gives listeners practical steps to stay safe, report suspicious activity, and help others avoid becoming victims.

BBB Connecticut Contact Information

If you’ve been targeted by a scam—or want to prevent one—visit BBB.org/ScamTracker to research, report, and access the Scam Survivor Toolkit.

To learn more about ignite sparked by BBB Connecticut, feel free to call 860-740-4500 or email [email protected]. You can also visit our ignite space at 29 Berlin Road, Cromwell, CT 06416 and https://www.bbb.org/bbb/connecticut/ignite

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

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Dave sits down with international guest Natalya Berdikyan — Founder and Chief Energy Officer of Life by Design — to explore what true alignment looks like in business and life. Natalya shares her journey from running a chocolate factory in Brussels to becoming a certified coach, Harvard‑trained health & nutrition specialist, and leader of transformational retreats. Feeling “drained and exhausted… it just didn’t feel right” pushed her toward a complete reinvention grounded in energy, purpose, and holistic well‑being.

Together, they discuss how stress, habits, sleep, nutrition, movement, and emotional patterns shape leadership; why entrepreneurs often struggle with burnout; and how simple practices like breathwork can shift your state instantly. If you’re seeking more clarity, calm, and fulfillment, this conversation offers practical tools and inspiring perspective.

Web: https://www.lifebydesign-academy.com

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

In this episode, Dave sits down with Kim Vertrees and Julie Cruz of Assisted Living Home Care Services for a deep, honest look at what aging in place really means for today’s families. Kim shares how her journey began at just sixteen — “They asked if I wanted to take part in a nurse’s aide class…” — while Julie reflects on her unexpected shift from pre‑med to nursing — “I like helping people. I like the hands‑on care.” Together, they break down the realities of senior care, the Adult Family Living program, and the technology that keeps older adults safe at home.

You’ll hear the story behind the company’s founding, the challenges caregivers face, and the resources available to help seniors remain independent, supported, and connected. Whether you’re caring for a loved one, working in the field, or simply want to understand the options, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and practical guidance.

Website: https://www.assistedlivingct.com

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (203) 634‑8668

Address: 290 Highland Ave. Cheshire, CT 06410

Facebook: AssistedLivingHomeCareServices

YouTube: assistedlivinghomecareserv7972

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

We’re revisiting one of our most memorable conversations with actor, writer, voiceover artist, and Navy veteran Louis "Louie G" Gaudio in this re‑release of a listener favorite. Lou’s journey—from military service to personal training to producing live theater and hosting Robots vs. Dinosaurs—offers a unique look at how creativity, discipline, and wellness intersect.

In this episode, Louie opens up about navigating fitness during the pandemic, rebuilding healthy habits, and finding balance while juggling acting, writing, and part‑time work in the tech world. He also shares the origin story behind his play The Hulk Can’t Perform CPR, exploring how humor, vulnerability, and storytelling help us understand our own health journeys.

Whether you’re passionate about wellness, creativity, or simply love hearing honest stories about getting back on track, this re‑release brings forward the inspiration, humor, and heart that made this conversation stand out.

Louis' podcast Robots Vs Dinosaurs can be found wherever you listen to podcasts

Louis is a featured comedy writer in the monthly sketch show Our Bar:

Check out the live-action anime epic Skye Hoshi ONLY on Pure Magic Pictures

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

In this episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven talks with Paula Wilson and Christopher Rogers, the founders of VB3: Veterans Build Better Businesses. They share how VB3 helps veterans rediscover purpose after service, navigate the challenges of transition, and build meaningful businesses with real community support. Paula discusses her experience as a caregiver to her husband, a veteran living with a traumatic brain injury, and how VB3 gave him a renewed sense of identity. Christopher reflects on his own post‑Army struggles and how creating VB3 helped him rebuild direction and connection.

VB3 is growing quickly, supported by their local community and driven by a mission to empower veterans through mentorship, shared services, and entrepreneurship. Learn more at https://vb3.us/, follow their community on Facebook at “Veterans Build Better Businesses – VB3,” or reach them directly at [email protected].

VB3’s next event takes place on August 29th, celebrating the Marine Reserves’ 110th birthday. Details and tickets are available at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/vb3-celebrates-the-marine-reserves-birthday-tickets-1989699437579?aff=oddtdtcreator

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

"Put your shoes on and get out the door!" reccomends our guest Heidi Langan to host Dave MacNiven during this re-released episode. "A 14-min mile is just as far as a 6-min mile."

Heidi is the owner and founder of H4Fitness where she has trained hundreds of adults and children in endurance, strength training, speed, agility, and balance. She is the Head Coach at Orangetheory Fitness New Haven and Head Coach for St. Joe's Boys & Girls Cross Country.

"If you run, you're a runner!"

Heidi is a certified AFAA Group Fitness/Personal Training Coach, RRCA Certified Distance Running Coach, Water Rower Certified, TRX Certified, USATF Master Runner, and Lululemon Running Ambassador.

Originally from England, She ran throughout her high school and college years. As a Master Runner, she has run hundreds of races, and four full marathons.

Visit Heidi on social media where she uses her platform to spread awareness about mental health.

To sign up for a first free Orangetheory Fitness class, contact:

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

In this episode of Sounds of Health, Dave sits down with Steven Martorelli — founder and CEO of Turnkey — for a deep dive into entrepreneurship, culture design, offshoring, and the personal growth philosophy he calls Remarkable‑ism. Steven shares how Turnkey evolved from a basement startup in 2009 into a global operation with a thriving team in the Philippines, and how intentional leadership, personal development, and workplace culture helped Turnkey become Connecticut’s #1 workplace, as ranked by the Harvard Business Journal.

Steven opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped his business philosophy, including a transformative visit to Zappos, a major partnership breakup, and the realization that leaders can meaningfully influence employee well‑being both inside and outside the office. He explains how Turnkey’s offshoring model works, why culture is the backbone of every successful team, and how his framework for physical, mental, and spiritual growth is helping employees elevate their lives — not just their work.

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a leader, or someone passionate about personal development, this conversation offers practical insights on building a modern business, creating a healthy workplace, and leading with intention.

Learn more about Turnkey:  

To contact or visit their office:  

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

Sounds of Health continues its live broadcast from Hamden Town Center Park for Hamden Fest 2026, capturing the second half of a full day dedicated to community connection, local business engagement, and real-time conversations with the people shaping Hamden’s future. Host Dave MacNiven and producer Jason Carubia return to the tent as the afternoon crowd grows, spotlighting energy-efficiency partners, public health advocates, beloved food vendors, and newly opened businesses investing in the region.

Part 2 features on-site interviews with CMC Energy Services, UI and SCG representatives from Energize Connecticut, Ali Baba’s Kitchen, Monitor My Health’s mobile clinic team, and Nightjar Cannabis. From home energy assessments and small-business incentives to free A1C screenings, community health outreach, and the launch of Hamden’s newest licensed dispensary, this episode highlights the practical resources available to residents and the entrepreneurs who bring vibrancy to the town’s business community.

Guest List and Timestamps

Part 2 reflects the heart of Hamden Fest: local food, family activities, small-business innovation, public service organizations, and the shared commitment to making Hamden stronger. Whether you visited the festival or are listening from home, this episode places you right inside the Sounds of Health tent as the day unfolds. Tune in and share with your community.

Search “Sounds of Health Podcast” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen.

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Visit us on:

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!

This re-released episode of Sounds of Health brings back a powerful conversation between host Dave MacNiven and advocate, activist, and Better Ways LLC founder Duncan Markovich. Together they explore cannabis as an alternative medicine and take a deep dive into the complex landscape of health, culture, and the rapidly growing world of legal plant-based products. Duncan shares his personal healing journey, the mission behind Better Ways, and why proper education, responsible sourcing, and community-centered values matter now more than ever.

“It’s going to heal you in profound ways. But it goes back to proper education, proper sourcing, and the people involved,” he says, reflecting on the relationship between business, health, and culture. This episode highlights advocacy, small business resilience, and the evolving role of cannabis in modern wellness.

You can find Better Ways LLC 

For information on cannabis advocacy/activism contact CT Cannawarriors

Better Ways LLC is part of the CT Cannabis Small Business Alliance and the Shoreline Chamber of Commerce

Sounds of Health is brought to you by Nutmeg Insurance Advisors and recorded at the offices of Nutmeg Advisory Group in North Haven, CT.

Producer and Host: Dave MacNiven

Sounds of Health: Shining a light on the path to improved health.

Thank you for liking, following, subscribing, sharing, rating, and reviewing!