In this flavorful episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven sits down with Jason Sobocinski, co-founder of Haven Hot Chicken, to explore how food and storytelling come together to build a brand that’s bold, heartfelt, and deeply rooted in community. From his early days in cheese shops to launching one of Connecticut’s most beloved hot chicken destinations, Jason shares how passion, resilience, and local pride have shaped every step of his journey.

Learn how Haven Hot Chicken grew from a pandemic pivot into a statewide sensation, now serving up spice and soul in New Haven, Orange, Norwalk, North Haven, Storrs, Middletown, Newington, Oxford, and Fairfield. Plus, hear how their Food Truck keeps the heat rolling across Connecticut, bringing their signature flavors to festivals, neighborhoods, and pop-up events.

🍌 From off-menu spice levels to their cult-favorite banana pudding, Jason dishes on what makes Haven Hot Chicken more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement built on flavor, philanthropy, and fierce community connection.

📲 Follow Haven Hot Chicken:

🌐 Website: www.havenhotchicken.com

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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

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For decades, Branford Townhouse Restaurant has been more than a place to eat — it’s been a Branford tradition. In this episode, Nontas Groumousas shares the story of how his family’s passion for quality food, fresh food, every day has shaped a beloved community gathering spot. From the early days of the diner to the daily commitment that keeps customers coming back, Nontas opens up about hard work, hospitality, and the joy of serving meals that feel like home.

Whether you’re a foodie, a small business dreamer, or someone who loves a good hometown success story, this conversation will leave you inspired — and maybe craving your favorite comfort dish.

Visit Branford Townhouse Restaurant:

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

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On this week’s Sounds of Health, host David MacNiven sits down with Connecticut native John Krause, whose trajectory from sports-management student to commercial-lending entrepreneur was upended by three battles with acute myeloid leukemia. John shares the shock of hearing “you have leukemia” the same week he learned his family was growing to four, how a simple goal to “buy a truck” steered him into sales, and why two stem-cell transplants were necessary to reclaim his life.

Through marathon chemotherapy sessions and moments of raw frustration—“I’ve been good! How can it be back?”—John discovered a deeper calling. In 2020, he and his wife launched the Team John Foundation, turning personal crisis into community care. From annual golf tournaments to partnerships with the Jimmy Fund and the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, they’ve raised six figures to support families hit hardest by medical emergencies.

Join us for an honest conversation about resilience, faith, and purpose. Discover why John’s motto—“don’t wait for Monday; start today”—might just change the way you live. And remember: “Tomorrow’s not promised.”

Connect with the Team John Foundation:

True Story Bro (podcast): https://anchor.fm/john-krause

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

Don’t forget to subscribe to Sounds of Health for more stories that inspire, empower, and upgrade your well-being.

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Live from Hamden Town Center Park, Part 2 of our Hamden Fest 2025 coverage dives deeper into the heart of community connection. From pediatric care and zero-waste fashion to stone countertops shaped like guitars, this episode celebrates the creativity, compassion, and entrepreneurial spirit that make Hamden thrive.

Join host Dave and producer Jason as they chat with:

00:00:00 What are good neighbors for?

Whether it’s duct tape fashion, keyboard earrings, or heartfelt stories of resilience, this episode reminds us what good neighbors are truly for.

Music for the Facebook Live stream was provided by Ash & Eric.

A special thanks to the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce and Nancy Dudchik.

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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Live from Hamden Town Center Park, this special episode kicks off our all-day coverage of Hamden Fest 2025—an annual celebration of local businesses, nonprofits, and changemakers who make Hamden thrive. Despite the drizzle, the energy was electric as we welcomed guests from Linens of Love, The Nest School, Haven of Hope, Quinnipiac University, and more.

Join hosts Jason Carubia and Dave MacNiven as they spotlight stories of service, resilience, and community impact—from mental health support and early childhood education to traffic safety and grassroots leadership. This is Part 1 of our marathon podcast event, and it’s packed with heart.

🎧 Subscribe, share, and leave a review to support the Sounds of Health mission—and stay tuned for Part 2!

00:00:00 - Nice and dry in the tent!

Music for the Facebook Live stream was provided by Ash & Eric.

A special thanks to the Hamden Regional Chamber of Commerce and Nancy Dudchik.

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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In this heart-centered episode, Dave MacNiven sits down with Steve Terreri, Vice President and Executive Director of the Paul Dostie KARE Foundation, to share a story that proves kindness reverberates far beyond the moment it’s given. Created in memory of master mechanic and community pillar Paul Dostie, the foundation has turned grief into action—raising over $300,000 to help families facing glioblastoma and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).

Steve reflects on Paul’s legacy of generosity, including the astonishing full-circle moment when a woman whose transmission he fixed decades earlier helped bring him home in his final hours. You'll hear how CareFest came to be, how the foundation goes from zero to impactful every June, and why their mantra—“Kindness Always Rewards Everyone”—is more than just a tagline; it’s a way of life.

He also shares his personal health hack, rooted in CrossFit and resilience, proving that mission-driven work starts with self-care and a bit of sweat equity.

🎧 Listen, share, and join us in celebrating the life-changing power of compassion.

🔗 Website: www.pauldostiekarefund.org

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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What started as a folder labeled Gymspiration on Nate McKenzie’s phone—filled with 20 years of notes and snapshots from climbing gyms—has transformed into Ascent New Haven, a vibrant hub for movement, wellness, and human connection. In this episode of Sounds of Health, host Dave MacNiven talks with Nate about his journey from retail leadership to outdoor guide, and ultimately to creating one of Connecticut’s most inclusive and innovative climbing spaces.

Nate opens up about how climbing grounded him through transitions, how a close friend's injury led to the founding of Paradox Sports, and how the Ascent New Haven community continues to grow through adaptive programming, social workouts, and intentional design. It's a conversation about perseverance, purpose, and why gyms should feel more alive—inside and out.

🧗 In This Episode:

Whether you’re scaling your own dream or seeking deeper connection through movement, this episode climbs beyond the physical.

📍 Visit Ascent New Haven

🔗 Learn more & connect

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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Featuring Dr. Carolyn Gross & Dr. Jennifer Lansdowne of CareFur Veterinarians

This week on Sounds of Health, Dr. Carolyn Gross and Dr. Jennifer Lansdowne share the story behind CareFur Veterinarians, a woman-led clinic in Madison, CT that’s redefining what it means to care — for pets, their people, and the broader community.

From Bennifer-inspired branding to thoughtfully designed spaces with separate entrances for cats and dogs, this episode dives into how CareFur blends heartfelt teamwork, clinical expertise, and emotional wellness into everyday practice. You’ll hear about their journeys through specialties in internal medicine and surgery, why they built a practice to stay independent, and how pets contribute meaningfully to human health.

💬 If you’ve ever loved a pet, worked in healthcare, or wondered what makes a truly people-centered business thrive — this one delivers warmth, wit, and wisdom.

📍 CareFur Veterinarians

📞 Phone: 203-800-7850

🎙️ Streaming now wherever you get your podcasts.

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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Episode 50: See Ability — A Dementia Positive Philosophy

In this heartfelt and hopeful episode, host Dave MacNiven sits down with Erica DeFrancesco, Director of Community Education at LiveWell, and Stella, a volunteer living with early-onset Alzheimer’s, to share how dignity, purpose, and community can thrive beyond diagnosis.

Together, they explore LiveWell’s “dementia positive” philosophy—one that sees ability, not limitation. From art exhibitions and science teaching to hot cocoa fundraisers and karaoke friendship groups, you’ll hear how LiveWell is rewriting the story of cognitive change.

💡 Topics include:

Whether you’re a caregiver, healthcare professional, or passionate about neurodiversity, this episode offers inspiration, education, and genuine joy.

🎧 Available wherever you stream podcasts.

📍 LiveWell Contact Info

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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Episode 49 – Keep Kids in the Game, Keep the Fields Alive

In this inspiring episode of Sounds of Health, host David MacNiven sits down with Rick Stockfield, the passionate founder of 3 Up 3 Down Organization, Inc.—a nonprofit dedicated to supporting youth baseball, empowering children with developmental disabilities, and building inclusive sports spaces in the Hudson Valley and beyond.

Rick shares the heartfelt origin story of the organization, the grassroots rise of their wildly successful charity poker tournament, and their ambitious vision to build an adaptive sports field for children of all abilities. From sliding into first (and breaking his leg!) to sliding into early retirement to give back full-time, Rick’s journey is equal parts hilarious, humbling, and hopeful.

🎧 Tune in for laughs, legacy, and a reminder that community is the real MVP.

Learn more or get involved:

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!