The Debbie Nigro Show

Janeshia Adams-Ginyard is very cool and very talented. A 'stunt woman extraordinaire' you've probably seen her perform her incredible stunt work in movies like Avengers, Black Panther, True Blood and her recent Emmy nominated work in Lovecraft Country!

Janeshia's currently working on the set of her latest project, a new untitled Marvel Production, but she stopped by to chat right before the Emmy Awards. This  year for the very first time the Academy created an Emmy Award for OUTSTANDING STUNT PERFORMANCE. And although there were other women nominated as part of a stunt team, Janeshia Adams-Ginyard was the only woman to receive an EMMY nomination as an individual, in a field that has been traditionally dominated by men. Go Janeshia! 

Janeshia's wardrobe closet sure must have a load of range. I doubt you'd suspect what she did for a living if you ran into her wearing the outfit in the first photo which looks like she just came from Church. No doubt you'd have a better clue if you ran into her in the supermarket wearing that warrior outfit which quite frankly I wish I could borrow for the weekend. Would sure take my 'weekend sporty' look to a whole new level.   

Speaking of sporty, Janeshia said all she wanted to do was sports since she was 9 year old, and shared as life went on it was 'sports' that got her through everything. Her stunt work is an amazing  extension of her love of sport and surely a unique way to utilize  her athletic abilities. 

Is Janeshia Adams-Ginyard fearless? "I'm a trained a professional not a daredevil" she said. Adding that if she feels any fear or resistance she will just say no to a stunt.

What's the craziest thing she's done as a stunt woman? Well she's been set on fire three times. And then there was that 'falling over the railing backwards down the stairs' fall that was pretty scary she said. 

Wow scary stuff for sure falling over a railing backwards down the stairs. Actually sounded to me as she was saying it like a potential senior citizen injury. So I was thinking...wouldn't Janeshia be the perfect gal to teach seniors how to fall properly? She sure would be! She actually loved the idea and agreed seniors could prevent a lot of broken bones by learning how to fall the right way. 

I assume she'll get right on that idea after her next Marvel Movie. LOL 

Great gal. You'll enjoy our conversation. 

My gal pal Lisa who lives far from me had missed me during Covid. She texted me to come join her for some networking fun at a place called Pinstripes in Norwalk, CT. Her gal pal Sherry who I love, had taken over the Director Of Sales position there.

I'd never heard of Pinstripes. Sounded to me like it might be a baseball joint or sports venue. I love my pal Lisa and she told me to bring my other half Dave, and Dave and I said what the heck and went for a change of pace. I'm so glad we did. We had so much fun and were so impressed with the place (not a baseball joint) I thought some of you might want to check it out.

'Pinstripes' Bocce Bowling and Bistro entertainment venues started in Chicago and they're expanding around the country. They're all about best in class food and experiential entertainment.  Norwalk, CT is their 13th location. 5 more locations are opening in N.J. and Florida. Founder and CEO Dale Schwartz was just quoted in Forbes as saying the plan is open 100 more over the next 10-15 years.

The Pinstripes  we went to was up on the rooftop of the brand new Norwalk, CT mall I'd heard so much about but never seen. Needless to say Malls are now betting on 'experiences' more than shows to draw a crowd.

Whoever decorated Pinstripes needs to come to my house and decorate for me. Such a cool vibe. 'Pinstripes' in this case refers to the kind you might see in 'classy Italian suits'. So it's no surprise the place is classy and the Italian American food is made from scratch. Great food and wine and drinks, but family friendly too. Love the choice of high and low tables and comfortable bars to dine at. You can also be served at the bowling lanes while sitting in comfortable leather couches. And there are 3 cool Bocce courts inside and one outside and the outdoor area also has a fire pit.

Let's talk about Bowling.

I love it. I was once a kick ass bowler but it's been 8 years since I bowled, mostly because the last time I did I snapped a body part. My then date (Dave) had to lend me his late mothers cane still in his trunk to get me out of the alley. I miss bowling and heard my own advice in my head, “Risk It or Regret It!" so I stirred up some good commotion by being first to say let's bowl! Before you knew it everybody had bowling shoes on whether they were good or not, and we all had a ball. Bowling is great for camaraderie. Pinstripes encourages local businesses to use the place for that purpose. The Norwalk location has 23 luxury lanes with full service so that's a nice way to business bond.

Now let's talk Bocce. 

Did you know Bocce is the 3rd most participated sport in the world? Way back my typically low key Italian Grandma Garfield surprised everybody when she made the local newspapers as a contender for the Annual Sambuca Romana Bocce Tournament. I found the ripped clipping. (1981I think) Grandma didn't play any sports so we had no idea she was a Bocce babe. That's the thing about Bocce. Anybody of any age or ability can play it, and anybody can be good at it. It’s a marquee sport in the Special Olympics. Bocce as a Special Olympics sport provides social contact.

Don't’ know how to play bocce? No problem. Pinstripes puts out instructions and the staff will also explain how to play. The balls by the way are light, not heavy like bowling balls.

Pinstripes In Norwalk, CT is a 27,000 square foot full service Italian American bistro restaurant with lots of space for the current #1 participation sport in the world …social distancing.

They do weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, bar mitvahs and catering and they have a roof top patio. The bowling lanes can be semi private or private for any occasion including corporate team building.

You'd think from this conversation with Pinstripes Sherry Wyatt that I hadn't been anywhere exciting in a year.  I loved the fun of re-connecting with my friend and loved the whole fun experience and wanted to share it.

“People are missing not just dining but reconnecting with friends and family,”   Dale Schwartz  Founder and CEO of Pinstripes  (FORBES)

Soon You'll See This Billboard In New Jersey. They're About To Re-Name Their Garden State Parkway Rest Stops After Home Town Celebs!

You're encouraged to stop by and besides reaching for a cool drink, maybe pick up some life inspiration shared by these Jersey icons as to how to reach for your own stars.  

Steve Edwards is President of The New Jersey Hall of Fame which is overseeing the project. He joins me for a fun conversation to share the back story, talk about the home town celebs getting the honor and share all the cool things each rest stop will soon feature. Also how and when they're going to roll out this re-name change game.

Millions travel the Garden State Parkway including me, and I'm sure I'm not the only one who won't miss pulling into a rest stop called 'Cheesequake' which is truly a brain stinging taste bud confusing name. Calling it the 'Jon Bon Jovi' service area will leave no doubt.

All nine celebs being honored with their own service areas in NJ are members of the New Jersey Hall of Fame! Here's a list of the rest stops and the names they're about to be changed to.

• Montvale: James Gandolfini Service Area
• Brookdale North: Larry Doby Service Area
• Brookdale South: Connie Chung Service Area
• Vauxhall: Whitney Houston Service Area
• Cheesequake: Jon Bon Jovi Service Area
• Monmouth: Judy Blume Service Area
• Forked River: Celia Cruz Service Area
• Atlantic: Frank Sinatra Service Area
• Ocean View: Toni Morrison Service Area

I love upbeat fun stories like this. And I like the point of it.

“We encourage patrons in each service area to identify with one of our inductees and take to heart the advice our inductees provide on how to reach the pinnacle of their respective professions,” said Steve Edwards, President of the New Jersey Hall of Fame. “ The rest is up to you!”

BTW: The New Jersey Turnpike Authority Board of Commissioners voted unanimously on renaming the nine service areas in honor of notable New Jerseyans.

(Unanimous anything in 2021 is like wow impressive)

PS: There will be no change to the following names of the service areas on the NJ Turnpike. Grover Cleveland, Thomas Edison, Alexander Hamilton, Vince Lombardi, Molly Pitcher, Richard Stockton, Walt Whitman. 

Barbie Dolls Are Now Honoring Front Line Workers!

Mattel, Inc. just announced that Barbie® will donate $5 for the sale of every eligible Barbie doctor, nurse and paramedic doll sold at Target during August to the First Responders Children’s Foundation (FRCF), benefiting the children of first responders.

These special Barbie dolls give children the opportunity to role-play with everyday heroes who show up for us in emergencies 365 days a year.

LOVE THIS! Go Barbie

Jillian Crane, President of First Responders Children's foundation joined me for a great conversation that makes me love Barbie more now than I did as a kid.

As a kid I liked her hair, her playhouse and Ken better than her, because quite frankly her swanky lanky physique just made my chubby one feel inept. But times have changed and so has Barbie. With over 200 careers, Barbie continues to celebrate role models, as every child imagines that they can be anything, but actually seeing that they can, and hearing the stories of others, makes all the difference.  

Jillian Crane said , “Mattel and Barbie showed up for First Responders Children's Foundation at the beginning of the pandemic. With their generous donations, we gave some joy to children across the country during a very difficult and scary time. With Mattel's financial support, we bought thousands of hotel room nights with food stipends for first responders on the frontlines." Very Cool. 

Jillian added, "This exciting new partnership with Mattel, Barbie and Target will support our Power of Play Program which focuses on the social, emotional and behavioral well-being of children.

BTW: This is a continuation of Mattel’s #ThankYouHeroes signature program, launched last year as part of the company’s broader “Play it Forward” platform, focused on leveraging Mattel’s iconic brands to give back to communities in times of need.  

Would You Go On a Spaceflight? Could Your Body Take It?

While watching Richard Branson and Crew and then Jeff Bezos and crew take their historic flights this Summer in real time all I could think about was... no way I'm going. I don't do underground tunnels or above ground cooped up. So I can't even imagine outer space cooped up!

Also I don't like feeling heavy. Did you know the people on board these sort of missions feel 3.5 times their normal weight on their way to an altitude of more than 50 miles? I panic when I feel 10 pounds heavier so I'm out.

Also what about getting nauseous on a space flight? Can't even say the word or think about it.

Who does think about these things is my pal Glenn Butler, who will tell you what happens to your body on a spaceflight because he's spent a lifetime on this subject. His book 'Bending Atmospheres' is getting rave reviews.

Glenn has over 50 years of experience in military, scientific, commercial diving, aerospace and hyper-hypobaric engineering, research and clinical operations. He's the founder and CEO of Life Support Technologies (LST) group.

Founded in 1984, LST’s initial mission was to transfer deep diving/hyperbaric technologies and oxygen enriched air (nitrox) diving and oxygen safety techniques to NASA, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Today, LST’s group of companies specializes in advanced wound care, hyperbaric medicine, hyperbaric tunneling and aerospace hypobaric consulting and engineering services.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, LST has been instrumental in aiding Metro New York hospitals with hyperbaric therapies and other life-saving measures. Over the course of his career, Glenn and key associates have developed and provided advanced commercial and military deep diving and saturation techniques decompression tables and equipment. Currently, he has 12 deep diving/hyperbaric technologies patents and 48 peer-reviewed scientific papers.

As of 2021, Glenns’ professional appointments include the Undersea and Hyperbaric Medical Society Hyperbaric Safety Committee; the National Pressure Injury Advisory Panels Support Surface Standards Committee; and NFPA-99 Healthcare Facilities Codes Hyperbaric Facilities Committee (2005 edition).

Because of what I learned from Glenn, I actually tried the hyperbaric oxygen chamber to speed up some slow healing after my breast cancer surgery. I share that story candidly and Glenn shares a lot of great candid information here in our warm and interesting conversation so you’ll know what to expect on your spaceflight. (Send me a postcard because I’m not going) 

You Know I Love a Girl Who Risks Her Dreams!

New York-based rising pop starlet Amanda Ayala risked auditioning for NBC's "The Voice" at only seventeen and her life was changed forever. Her new song was just came out and I play a little taste of it here in the interview on my live show the day before it was released. 

So happy to introduce you to Amanda.

We bonded over taking risks! 

Her 'single' is available on Spotify. It's called  'Seventeen'. It's a nostalgic summer anthem for anyone who misses their youth.

"When people listen to this track I truly hope it takes them back to that age, where they can reminisce on the simpler days when life was just carefree and abundant with those butterfly feelings".

(OMG Amanda don't let me get started about those young hot summer romances) 

'Seventeen' is an engrossing pop production that draws parallels to the likes of Taylor Swift.  The track was produced by Mark Matter, mixed by Mikaelin 'Blue', and mastered by Randy Merrill.

With two singles that have already reached Top 100 of the iTunes Rock Chart and Top 100 Hot AC, Amanda is well on her way to securing a spot in the limelight as an artist to watch in 2021 and beyond!

I hope you enjoy listening.

Great example of 'Risk It! Or Regret It!' Whatever IT is For you! 

Do You Have Inherited Jewelry Just Sitting Somewhere In A Drawer Doing Nothing? How ridiculous is that? Let's get it out and get it on!

There’s a talented gal I want to introduce you to who can show you how to 'rejewelvenate'  (love that word ) your inherited or out of date jewelry pieces so you can really enjoy the precious memories - but in your own unique style.

I take great pride in featuring guests with hard earned credentials who are passionate about what they do. Jennifer Vichinsky is a GIA Graduate Gemologist, jewelry designer, highly ethical appraiser and a super talent with a creative streak. Check out some photos of her cool before and after work.

Jennifer’s been in business a long time and truly does some remarkable things to re-invent pieces of jewelry many of which were inherited and carry the memory of people who were loved dearly.

For example she’s designing wedding jewelry for a gal that inherited pieces of jewelry from her mother and her grandmother, so that she can bring those memories along with her on her wedding day and beyond.

I really loved the story of how Jennifer helped a Grandpa turn his old cufflinks into beautiful earrings for his beautiful granddaughters. (tear jerker)

Jennifer consults for free, listens carefully, designs ideas in computer drawings first and presents a choice of metals to bring those ideas to life.

Might be fun to look in your drawer and find pieces that are just sitting there or outdated and have her make them into something special for yourself or somebody you’d like to pass on a memory to.

Enjoy my live radio conversation with Jennifer Vichnsky posted here as a podcast and check out her website at https://www.rejewelvenateddesigns.com

Unreturned messages driving you crazy?  You and everybody else!

Too many messages, vague messages and unreturned messages, are all contributing to what innovator and communications expert Sam George calls, the growing ‘dyscommunication crisis’.

I don't know about you guys but I'm definitely feeling overwhelmed trying to keep up with all the communication channels I'm supposed to be keeping up with.  Between emails, texts, Facebook, Instagram, Linked, Twitter etc., honestly it’s becoming harder and harder to keep up. Obviously it's not just me. Most people are on digital overload and it's causing anxiety.

I feel bad if I forget to answer an email or realize I haven't returned a text or call. Usually it's because I meant to, but probably somehow got really busy and maybe forgot and possibly was so busy went on to the next thing. I've also been on the other side of communications where I've sent out something and heard nothing back and then was left wondering - what the heck?   

The human brain is not wired for digital communication. That’s what Sam George explains in his new book “ I’ll GET BACK TO YOU The Dyscommunication Crisis: Why Unreturned Messages Drive Us Crazy And What To Do About It” .

The 'Dyscommunication Crisis' is the cloud of misunderstanding and uncertainty that replaces the staple feedback loop of the past, says Sam.

"The brain is the cause of all the challenges right now because the brain wants instant feedback so it can complete the patterns it uses to process information. An unreturned message for example, is a pattern that needs to be completed. When a message is not returned the mind jumps to conclusions and creates a worst-case scenario ending because it’s concrete and completes the pattern. The rational mind is the cause of these irrational thoughts. “

The misconception is created in our heads before there is a response to understand.

This is the first time in history that human beings have not had instant feedback by phone or in person. It's the biggest shift in communications ever, says Sam George. It changes everything.

With emails and texts now the dominant form of communication,  so much is lost. Things like 'a good conversation with someone'. 

A good conversation is good because it validates each persons full understanding of what was just discussed. None of that validation happens in a digital conversation. When you have a good conversation you feel good! In the digital communication era a whole experience is being lost.

People want to know they’ve been heard and people who send emails want to know their message was opened and read. Often emails just get lost in message overload. But there are some things you can do to increase the chances your email will be read, says Sam. 

One tip?  “Don't put a predictable subject line in an email. The key is to put a subject line that creates curiosity. The key is to get people to open your email on the spot and if they do they’re most likely going to return it right away.”

I myself often put a whole message in subject line! Nothing left to curiosity there but sure gets to the point if they never open the darn thing. LOL 

Another Helpful Tip For An Answered Email? Follow Up! "Lots of people are uncomfortable with following up, but Sam says a whopping 75% of people appreciate the reminder!"

He suggests when you follow up you don't even reference the unanswered email , rather just cut and paste your old email, put in a different subject line and send it off. "Sending another email quells your anxiety", he says.

More real time suggestions for dealing with the reality of our dyscommunication crisis are in Sam Georges new book including 'breathing techniques on the spot' to help to stop the negative loop of thinking in your head. Proven exercises that trigger your mind and quell the cycle in your head he says.

For more about Sam George and how to buy his book visit: dyscommunication.com

All CBD is NOT the same. All Wellness Practitioners are NOT the same either. Word of mouth from trusted sources typically steer you to the true professionals in any industry.

On my first day back in the radio studio since last March 'live' with other humans as in person guests, I did an entire show on CBD.

CBD by the way does not stand for 'Come Back Deb' though it's a cute idea since this day was a bit of a comeback for me. you see, right before Covid I fought breast cancer and won. Needless to say I was immuno-compromised and stayed far away from everybody for a long time. I'm now a little more comfortable since I'm vaccinated, 'showing up'. That and my own hair's growing back. 

So here I am in the WGCH Radio Studio in Greenwich, CT with two 'Best In Class' Guests today. My valued friend and class act businessman Paul Borde the Founder/CEO of PrimaBeeCBD (front) drove in from Chatham, Mass. Dr Adam Massoud (left) is the Chiropractic Physician/Founder Greenwich Wellness 'who literally saved Paul' and inspired him on his CBD journey.

The main thing you need to know about CBD is it does not make you feel stoned. It's NOT the stuff that gets you high. It is the stuff that can get you well. 

'Staying well' and "getting well" have become priority for many of us  after this past year and what I've been hearing first hand about the benefits of CBD have intrigued me A LOT. People are curious and want to know more about it. Me too. I have no clue where to start with it, and I'm a big baby about taking anything new until I'm sure about it. So I'm getting educated and educating all of you who are interested as well. 

That's why I really felt todays' podcast show should be posted here as a 'full show' vs just the interview excerpts I've been featuring here all throughout Covid. CBD Education!

You see All CBD is NOT The Same. All Wellness Practitioners are NOT The Same either. Word of mouth from trusted sources typically steer you to the true professionals.  

The right CBD is being used to help people with huge success. The CBD buzz is everywhere and it's only going to keep getting louder. Most people have no clue about what they're really buying. It's critical you TRUST the source of CBD because the real deal stuff with the right efficacy can really work wonders for you, for pain relief, inflammation reduction, sleep, anxiety, etc.

Not so long ago Paul Borde' was at wits end and could barely walk from a back injury sustained while playing golf. His pain was a '10' on the agony scale. Trying to avoid surgery he decided to trust a referral to highly regarded Greenwich, CT chiropractic physician Dr. Adam Massoud. Dr. Massoud was able to treat Paul successfully and had combined CBD with his treatments.

Paul, who didn't even know what CBD was, not only recovered 'pain free' but was so blown away by feeling so great again he started his own best in class CBD company called PrimaBee! The story gets better. He hasn't taken a pain pill in two years and is passionate about helping educate others about CBD as a wellness 'game changer'. 

Paul and the chiropractic physician who got him well, Dr. Massoud  are collaborating so they can help as many other people as possible with the best CBD possibly available. Dr. Massoud will tell you he cannot keep CBD on his shelves in his practice.

Paul Borde' is a sweetheart of a guy, but when it comes to business he's a no nonsense guy, a stickler for everything 'best practices'. Paul scoured the country for the highest quality USA grown hemp and has applied the industries’ best manufacturing methods and formulations to create some of the finest CBD in America. Each batch is 3rd party tested trusted and effective. He and his partner Stephen Crane even have 'certificates of analysis' on their site PrimaBee.com to show you the level of safety, quality and purity of their raw materials rarely found in the CBD industry.

As for Dr, Massoud, he's passionate about his purpose that people lead an emotionally balanced and pain free life. He's unique too, in that having cared for 9,000 patients of all ages, his patients credit him for being 'the fastest and most intuitive source of guidance they've ever experienced with a one on one physician'. He  believes patient education is the most important part of any treatment to achieve optimum health and wow did he take time to educate how CBD affects your endocabinnoid system. He didn't want to go so far as to cal CBD a miracle but he is very clear he's seeing it do miraculous things to heal and help people.

I enjoyed learning about CBD from these two trusted sources and I think you'l enjoy listening and learning too. Maybe something in this conversation will help you or someone you know.

Losing Loved Ones Is Hard. Losing Family Is Hard. Losing A Friend Is Hard. Especially for kids.

Writer Joanne Parker knows because she lost her sister in a fatal car accident when she was a kid. She's written a series of children's books to help kids deal with grief, the latest of which is called, "I Lost A Friend". 

Joannes' books which also include "I Lost A Sister" and "I Lost A Brother" are a really valuable resources for children grieving and for those seeking to help them grieve.

These books help in discussing the thoughts and feelings that accompany that kind of loss with words of encouragement for moving forward from it.

Joanne Parker joined me for a warm conversation on this tough topic. 

Joanne Parker is a writer from West Chester, PA. After the death of her sister following a fatal car accident she decided to offer people hope and healing. When she’s not running after one of her four children she keeps herself busy with music, theater, CrossFit, and local volunteering. She currently lives in Mobile, AL with her family and two dogs.

 joanneparkerbooks.com