The Debbie Nigro Show

Joy is coming for everybody in 2022 if Susan Miller is right!

A World Famous Astrologer, Susan Miller was clear she wouldn’t say it if it wasn’t true. Her legendary "Year Ahead 2022" Calendar is out! And we did a quick run through of what 2022 looks like for each of you on the air, and I've summed up her predictions for by 'sign' below.

After the last 2 years I'm sure you're thinking who could possibly know what's coming next? But Susan says she Loves 2022! She did not even bother writing the year ahead for 2021 because she knew it would be the twin of 2020.

2022 she says is just so nice for everybody because April 12th Jupiter and Neptune are meeting in Pisces which happens every 13 years. Seems when those 2 big planets meet in conjunction it signals the beginning of a  cycle. Not just for a day... it's a portal that opens. (Sounds Intense eh?) 

Expect an outpouring of joy and celebration from all the artists all over the world she said, and that includes chefs, fashion, literature, and music. (I’m feeling a fringe outfit coming on) 

We’re going to have a new template for a new decade ahead! Expect an uplifting influence! Sudden good news! And a sudden aspect of hope and joy. A sudden break! The first part of the year will be the most glorious. 

I've always loved Susan. I've followed her forever and we've had some warm on air chats before about how the heck she's managed to keep pouring out her AstrologyZone®, monthly forecasts for 26 years!

Astrology Zone is the most visited astrology/ horoscope site globally and Susan continues to write every word one of those 40,000 words a month to this day in her warm, engaging, and optimistic style. To date, there are 11 million unique visitors yearly to the site with 120 million page views a year. Twitter @astrologyzone has 432,000 followers.

An amazing feat for a gal who started it all when she was young because she was bed ridden with a birth defect. Thankfully she's doing great these days in spite of a few medical challenges here and there.

Her Secret Sauce? She doesn’t sleep a lot.

Susan Miller shared ‘mini’ summaries of The Year Ahead 2022 For all 12 signs. GOODIES FOR EVERYONE at different times of the year! Much more in her Legendary ‘Year Ahead’ on her site.

ARIES: You are going to have the best year of your life. Beginning in mid May all the way to October and then again in 2023 January all thru Mid May again. Get your wish list ready. You’re going to have lucky breaks. This is fabulous for meeting the one to fall in love with. If your single that person is likely to come into your life after around Mothers Day Halloween

TAURUS: You had a big career year this year. Next year it's about making new friends and expanding your circle around you . People love you and you’re going to meet a lot of new people and they will be big big supporters. If you're on social media you’ll see your followers tick up up up.

GEMINI: You have won the career jackpot. This will be one of the most important landmark years of your life for getting ahead in your career. You need to be ready by the end of December 2021 and hit the ground running. March will be the month you’re likely to hit something very big. A big assignment, a job promotion or a new job. Do not settle for anything less than the best. 

CANCER: Luck from foreign people foreign places. You may take an overseas trip. Aware you’ve been wary of traveling from the pandemic, but this year you’ll be able to go somewhere where you’ll need a passport and yes Canada and Mexico do qualify. You may go back to graduate school. Or if you love writing or broadcasting you get your break. This is a very special year when you see things in their totality rather than narrowly. You see possibilities you never saw before so its a very exciting year.

LEO: You are going to make money on your investments FINALLY they’re going to pay off. If you don’t have a financial advisor you should find one. Pick some stocks invest in blue chips. This is the year when you’re really going to make money. Also commissions if you’re in sales, or you may get royalties from books or licensing fees. You’re going to need a truck to load up all the money. 

VIRGO: Marriage is your lucky area ! If you’ve been dating forever and he never asks or she never asks or says she doesn’t want o get married - suddenly that changes. This also refers to business partnerships and doing collaborating, especially a physical business partnership. Joining forces is excellent for you.

LIBRA: You had a romantic fun year and this coming year is going to be about getting lots and lots of assignments. If you’re self employed customers will be beating their way to your door and your phone will be ringing off the hook. If you work for others it means that you get the plum assignments in your department and you’re working on new material . Things that you like and that you can contribute some of your own creativity to .And you’ll be needed which means you’ll probably make good money . 

SCORPIO: You won the love aspects. This is the year to fall in love. You’re  one of the real outstanding signs for romance. If you’re having trouble having a baby go see a fertility specialist . You could have real help with that and have the baby you want if thats been on your list. It looks like parents will help too as they want a Grandchild. 

SAGITTARIUS: Real estate excellence ! If you need to move, or fix up your kitchen, or buy some new furniture all the luck flows through your home. You should have a nice little home office even if it’s in the corner of another room because the money flows through home. Do some entertaining at home. Have the boss over for dinner if you’re a good cook. Everything stems from home and real estate. You’re going to be very lucky with huge family support. Your family loves you and will help you with your goals maybe to buy your first apartment or house.

CAPRICORN: You made money 2021 next year is all about learning to communicate in sophisticated ways .Maybe you want to start a podcast or a website or maybe write an app with a team. You can find teams to help you. This is the year that communication is key. If you have book in you or a screen play, get serious about it. Start writing, go to a creative writing class. This is a good year to start writing or speaking. You have some kind of expertise in you share it with the world.

AQUARIUS: You have the same aspects as Leo only your money comes in a different form. You’ll get the big money leap in salary vs Leo in commissions investments or venture capital. You make it by earning it the old fashioned way but get paid sooo well. Pay attention as last year you planted the seeds and you and now all those seeds come up in your garden and you’re going to have a big harvest.

PISCES: What a great year ahead for you! Especially from January to Mid May then again at end of the year from November and December. Anything you didn’t get at the front part of the year you’ll get at the end of the year!

Enjoy our lively conversation. 

I love a woman who's a force to be reckoned with!

Dr. Marian Gryzlo is one of those women. Always a force for children in need, she's currently on the Board of Grace Children’s Foundation currently scaling its model of connecting injured and critically ill children to pro bono medical care and donated non-clinical services around the world. They're working with partners to build an AI-enabled technology solution that will instantly match a child in medical emergency to a database of participating medical providers, speciality hospitals, medical transportation and temporary housing, GCF is accelerating access and saving children's lives.

Marian chairs the foundations' Strategic Partnerships Committee. Its mission is to accelerate access to pediatric healthcare resources for children in need globally. In her role there Marian works with thought leaders across the healthcare and technology industries, including those from Microsoft, WebMD and NYC Health Hospitals. 

Marian Gryzlo's more than 30 years’ experience includes advising executive leaders, nonprofit board members and business owners in industries ranging from consumer products to cancer research. In her many roles, she has developed business, nonprofit and educational alliances, launched foundations, advised on granting millions to causes, and helped nonprofits raise substantial resources to achieve long-term goals. 

One LinkedIn recommendation of Marian Gryzlo read: “She has a heart so big, a knowledge so vast, a personality so endearing and creativity so encompassing that she is a force to be reckoned with". 

 

It’s Been Said You Don't Know Until You Know. 

We all have different experiences in life and we all learn lessons along the way. It's our duty to pass along those lessons to others.

In an ongoing series, Paraco Gas Corporation CEO Joe Armentano  a second generation family business owner, is sharing some sage l lessons in business and life he's learned over the last 40 years after taking over the family business from his Dad.

In his upcoming book ‘A Helluva Ride’, which was 14 years in the making, Joe talks about his fathers entrepreneurial journey, what he learned from him, and what he's learned since taking over the reins of the family business which he’s helped grow to over 400 employees and over 150 Million in annual sales.

Joe Armentanos' Top Ten Life Lessons are in his upcoming book but we do a quick sneak peak run through the whole list in our warm conversation here. 

Which of the Top Ten is THE most valuable lesson Joe has learned about life along his journey?

"Time Is The Most Important Asset We Have And Once Gone You Cannot Get It Back” - Joe Armentano

 

If you became a Mom for the first time after 35, or again after age 35, there are likely some 'Mommy' dynamics going on that are a little 'different'. There are situations that are unique to those who became mothers later in life, like how the heck do you 'blend in' at school with the younger Moms without feeling awkward?   Just ask Robin Gorman Newman. She needed those answers when she became a mother in her 40’s to two adopted sons and as a result became the Founder of MotherhoodLater.com, now an International Organization.   Robin shared that though she was never hung up on age, she did suddenly feel different when she became a late in life mother. Mostly because she didn't have peers. Even though late in life motherhood is common these days, Robin says, you still don't seem to stumble upon fellow older moms at the playground.    Older moms are also often more conscious of being 'the older Mom' at school events etc. she says, and though older Moms are much more common, she adds they still have to deal with judgement from others. "What the heck do you say to a person who has the nerve to ask you if you're the Mom or the Grandmom?"    Robin created MotherhoodLater.com so that older Moms could make connections with each other, feel good about themselves and their age, and know they're not alone. The site also features articles about inspiring later in life Moms.   Robin Gorman Newman is a powerhouse force in life, in love and on Broadway. She's a Tony Nominated Producer (The Great Comet) plus a Strategic Marketer/Connector/Love Coach/Author.   Listen To Our Warm Fun Chat.           

Hair Ye! Hair Ye! Paul Mitchell Hair Schools Are A Winner When It Comes To Training and FUN-Raising! Giving them a huge shout out!    Joining me for a fun conversation is Winn Claybaugh, the Dean & Co-Founder of Paul Mitchell Schools & the author of "Be Nice or Else". Check out the number on the check below from their recent celebrity supported event. Talk about nice!   Winn ironically has no hair and was never a hairdresser, did not go to college and barely finished high school. His passion drove him to the top and he's extremely proud of his schools and students and passionate too about giving back and making a difference.    Every year students and staff from 100+ Paul Mitchell Hair & Cosmetology schools around the country raise money and awareness for selected charities. Raising $5-$10 dollars at a time from cut-a-thons, hair shows and car washes they've raised over $23 Million over the years! What an accomplishment!    Coming from a long line of hairdressers - I’m always interested in the hair industry. My Grandma, Aunts, Mom, were all in it and my sister in law, and daughter are in it now. (How lucky am I to have 'in-house' beauty whisperers?)   Besides always being a fan of Paul Mitchell hair products - I’m so impressed with what I’ve been seeing them do with Paul Mitchell Schools for the greater good. School enrollment is up too because many decided as a result of the pandemic, to pursue their untapped passion in this area. That's great news for salons everywhere who like many other businesses post-pandemic, are understaffed.     In addition to the above, in honor of National Ovarian and Breast Cancer Awareness month, Paul Mitchell & the nationwide network of Paul Mitchell Schools once again partnered with Bright Pink a non-profit that focuses on the prevention and early detection of breast and ovarian cancers in women.   I cannot tell you how important this is! I should know! I am only here typing this because of early detection of both. I am a very grateful ovarian and breast cancer survivor. And though I enjoyed the unique freedom of having no hair for awhile like Winn ...I'm grateful to have my hair back these days to style with Paul Mitchell products.     

I started following a fabulous non-profit called “Humor Beats Cancer” on Instagram. I had a sense from what I was reading there that the Editor, Olivia from Chicago and I were of the same ‘spirit”. I was right.

Olivia and I are a few decades apart but exactly on the same page when it comes to understanding how important humor and attitude are to getting through cancer.

To be able tot look on the bright side during dark times makes a difference in the experience of battling cancer a little easier.

Olivia and I are both breast cancer survivors. I love that she’s made it her mission to bring joy and humor to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers around the world. It sure helps everyone feel less alone.

I decided I had to connect with her and invited her to join me on my radio show in the NY Tri-State area to talk about the power of this.

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Olivia and I are both well aware of the importance of finding breast cancer early! Both grateful survivors, we each found our own ‘lumps’. It’s SO important to check your breasts regularly and have regular mammograms! Olivia found her breast cancer at age 36.

Nothing funny about that. Nor is there anything funny about  the challenging cancer treatments regardless of the kind of cancer. But take it from two gals and many others who know…humor has an amazing effect on your immune system.

Olivia started noticing dark humor things happening when she was going through her treatments. She wondered if she was the only one, until others also began sharing their funny stories from all over the world.

Using humor as a coping tool takes your mind off some things and connects you with others who are maybe crying and laughing at same time. In this case 'you wouldn't know until you know' and may you never have to – but if you find yourself going through it or know someone who is…be sure to connect with Humor Beats Cancer.

It’s more about the ridiculous and awkward moments and situations that provide some good belly laughs. Those belly laughs stoke the immune system and help get cancer patients and their caregivers through. It’s very therapeutic.

Check out Humor Beats Cancer. They can send care packages and there's even a grant program to help pay medical bills for cancer treatments. Fabulous!

Thank you Olivia for doing this! You Rock!

 

There are 5.5 Million 'Family Businesses' in America That Employ About 98 Million People.

Family Business is a very tricky dynamic says Joe Armentano, CEO of Paraco Gas Corporation, one of the most highly recognizable brands in the propane industry. Joe is about to release his first book, detailing the incredible entrepreneurial journey of Paraco Gas that started with his Dad Pat back in 1968 in Mt Vernon, N.Y.

 “A Helluva Ride" includes the inside stories of his family-owned and operated company which he has overseen over the last 40 years and shares some important lessons learned in business and in life.

With more than 425 employees, 28 locations, and $150 million in annual revenue, Paraco is the largest independent propane marketer in the Northeast. Over the last 40 years, Joe has overseen Paraco’s tremendous growth, acquiring 53 companies primarily independent propane companies and family businesses. Today, Paraco services over 110,000 residential and commercial customers. Through its barbecue exchange program, Paraco’s cylinders are found in the homes of over one million consumers.

In our candid and warm conversation Joe Armentano and I discuss growing up in family business, passing the torch to the next generation and about employees who work for family businesses. We also discuss candidly the often painful internal struggles of family business dynamics, like the hard decision about  'who' of the family members should be next in charge to run with that business.

In this podcast of our entire live radio show we hit on topics like 'are you born an entrepreneur or do you become one?' (hmmm),  and we run through Joe's 'Top Ten Family Business Lessons'.  A very 'real'  been there, done that, list - that will surely benefit anyone involved in a 'Family Business.'

By the way, Joe Armentano doesn’t consider himself an entrepreneur because he didn’t start the business from scratch, his father did. More of a Professional CEO/ Manager than entrepreneur, Joe admits he didn't originally intend to go into the family business. He'd made a commitment to self development and went off to NY's Fordham University (with the intent to be a lawyer) then to NY's Iona College for an MBA in Finance when he was 30.

Joe feels it's critical for family business members to get work experience outside the company. 

His own job is to make himself 'replaceable' knowing if something should happen to him the business could and would carry on.

Enjoy our conversation.  

 

 

It's An Official Dating Trend: More Older Women Are Dating Younger Men

Julie Spira America’s Top Online Dating Expert & Digital Matchmaker says yes it's a trend and it's because women have more independence and economic stability these days and because younger men like an older woman's confidence. 'Confidence' Julie says, is sexy at any age. 

I love Julie Spira who I met back in college. When I saw she joined the TODAY show on this subject the other day I invited her to join me to talk more about what's going on in the 2021 dating world.

Julie was involved in the TODAY show segment with special anchor Maria Shriver and three couples with different age gaps talking about inter-age relationships. Julie knows this stuff better than anyone. She's an award-winning dating coach, internationally-known bestselling author and the go-to person in the media for online dating and mobile dating advice. Based in LA she has clients from NY to San Francisco and from London to Sydney. With over two decades of experience, she coaches singles from college-age to the large population of baby-boomers who are looking for a first or second chance at love. Many celebrities too!  

Through a combination of online dating profiles, mobile dating apps, email etiquette, and social media sites such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, Julie helps singles shorten their search to find their dream dates.  

Oh and Julie said, "October is 'cuffing season"! (Who knew?) A time when even the most commitment phobic men decide they want to be in a committed relationship. She added, this seasons 'cuffing season' is gonna be off the charts because people are looking for meaningful connections after Covid to combat the loneliness they've all felt.

During Covid, online dating habits changed and the zip code and age range restrictions got tossed out the window, and she says there will be more of that moving forward. "People are working from home and people will move for love", and Julie knows a lot of guys who have moved across the world and across the country for women they love. She says, if you’re online dating don't get hung up on someone having to live in the same county or the right side of the freeway.

86% of singles Julie polled during Covid said ‘finding a meaningful connection’ was the most important thing, as compared to let's get back to hooking up like we used which only accounted for 3% of respondents.

Julie shared that the majority of people are really longing for that meaningful connection and a committed relationship and with the holidays around the corner you’re gonna see a lot of activity during 'cuffing season'.

Her advice for people getting back in the dating game right now?

-Cast a much wider net. If somebody writes to you and they’re far, so what, nobody stays in the same home forever 

-Write a new profile whatever you wrote before is old news. Start from scratch get great new photos and post 6-8 photos. You’re only as good as your worst photo she says and don’t over filter them.

-Keep your profile short and brief. And no more playing the waiting game! If someone writes you write back same day, within the same hour or within the next 4 hour window. 

-If you like someone when you meet them and it's mutual make a next date right then and there before you leave.

-Don’t think when you meet it's a 'connection'? Don't initiate a next message because you don’t want to send a rejection letter. But if the other person connects you should politely respond that you didn't feel the connection needed for the long term relationship you're seeking.  

-And always remember… Hearts are fragile. 

If you're in the dating pool or involved in online dating you'll enjoy listening to what Julie Spira has to say about it all in our warm conversation here.

 

 

 

Getting Through Profound Loss Is Not Simple As Many Of You Reading This Likely Know. 

Susan Sall Warner's son died by suicide 3 years ago and her husband unexpectedly died from cancer 6 months later. (Correction from the '3' months mentioned in the podcast conversation) Very tough losses to move on from.

Susan graciously agreed to talk with me about the often taboo subject of suicide, about what one is supposed to say to a mother who's endured such a tragedy, about how she endured the double whammy of the unexpected loss of her husband soon after, and how a 'widow -woman- human' who's suffering such pain moves on. 

Susan says she lives her life by 'going forward, but not moving beyond'.

Susan started writing about it all and talking about it. About the depth of loneliness, the horrible pain, the empty heart and then the mindset to move forward and rediscover, reinvent and enjoy life to the fullest.

Her message began to resonate with others who had also suffered the loss of a spouse, a child, a parent, a sibling and she felt she was really making an impact and helping others heal with her message... "That with loss - life doesn’t have to end, and it does not need to DEFINE them."

Susan is now helping others who've suffered profound loss move forward and has become both a motivational speaker and writer on the subject. She's also continuing to do her work as independent College Counselor.

Susan joined me for a heartfelt conversation on suicide, loss, a mothers pain, a widows pain and more as we closed out September which is Suicide Prevention Month.   

What Age is Old? Hmmm I'm 'Delusionally Young' So I Don't Really Know How To Answer. What I do know, is people nowadays don’t want to age the way their parents or grandparents did. For the 70 Million Baby Boomers 55+ in U.S. 'old age' always seems to start 'tomorrow.'

Award Winning NY Times Contributor Steven Petrow agrees this generation does not want to age the way previous generations did and neither does he, so he wrote a whole new blueprint.

To find out if you're old (lol) and get some great inspiration for your own 'new old age' you should check out Steven's terrific new book called  'Stupid Things I Won't Do When I Get Old' inspired by watching his own parents getting older.

Getting older is a privilege Steven reminds us, and he reveals how to do it with grace, wisdom, humor and hope. 

PS On the subject of age...make a note. If you call me 'Miss' vs M'aam you'll always get a bigger tip. Wink.