The Debbie Nigro Show

On The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the pleasure of spotlighting Simon Cascante, founder of Montaukila Tequila. Boy oh boy his story sure is a shining example of one of my favorite sayings - "Risk It! or Regret It!"

Simon skipped college, started bussing tables at the Lobster Roll in East Hampton, and took the long road to launching his own spirit's brand. No investors. No celebrity endorsements. Just grit, Google, and a dream.

That persistence led him to cold-call nearly a dozen distilleries in Mexico until one finally said yes—thanks to a VP who had once vacationed in Montauk and loved the concept.

Now six years in, Montaukila is growing with a mobile cantina experience, premium celebrity-free tequila, and a hot new canned cocktail line.

Simon's entrepreneurial focus? Staying authentic while scaling sustainably.

And here's something I love: Montaukila is a locally owned, small-batch tequila company that believes in giving back. They donate 100% of their merchandise sales to Oceanic Global, an organization dedicated to ocean conservation.

This is the kind of business spirit that deserves a toast.

To me, Simon's story is a reminder that success is rarely a straight line—it's persistence, adaptability, and staying true to your vision.

And a great entrprenurial business lesson in why you should never let a NO (or a string of No's) deter you on your way to a YES!

Cheers to that!

Enjoy listening to this short podcast of my live conversation with the very inspiring Simon Cascante on The Debbie Nigro Show.

Happy summer, friends! You know I love the beach, but nothing freaks me out more than riptides.

With Hurricane Erin stirring up the East Coast, I called in my go-to water safety guy — Wyatt Werneth, spokesperson for the American Lifeguard Association. I call him the James Bond of lifeguards … because, well, he is.

Wyatt literally jumped off the beach in Cocoa Beach, Florida to join me on the show. His first tip? "Everywhere there's a dip, there's a rip."

Translation: If the water keeps rushing in and your blanket, toys, and beach bag get soaked while everyone around you stays dry — there's a riptide zone in front of you.

We also talked about what to do if you get caught up in one.

For years, the rule was: swim parallel to the shore. But Wyatt says research shows riptides don't always pull straight out — sometimes going sideways or in circles.

Meaning? Swimming parallel may not always work. That's why you may have also heard new advice: turn over, float, and indicate you need help.

Wyatt broke it down in a way we can all remember with the acronym RIP:

• R = Relax
• I = Indicate you need help (signal to others!)
• P = Parallel swim attempt, if you can

The most important? Relax and float. Don't panic, conserve your energy, and let rescuers spot you.

And here's his mic-drop line: "Your ability to swim could save your life."

Wyatt also shared the success of his Drown Zero Project, which places life rings at every public beach access in Brevard County. The results? They went from 14 drownings a year to zero. Yes, ZERO. Chills, right? Why aren't we doing this everywhere???

We even touched on the nationwide lifeguard shortage. Wyatt's dream is that lifeguards are finally recognized as true professionals — "one of the few public safety groups whose very name says it all… Lifeguards guard lives."

I don't know about you, but I'll never look at a day at the beach the same way again.

Big thanks to Wyatt for running off the beach for me one more time!

Until next time, remember Wyatt's parting words: "Swim in front of the lifeguard, America."

Would be beneficial to you to listen to this serious lifeguard wisdom in this podcast of my live conversation with Wyatt Werneth on The Debbie Nigro Show.

Good energy is like a secret superpower. You can't see it—but you feel it. It uplifts, comforts, and lingers long after the moment has passed. I've been told I carry that kind of energy—and if you do too, you know it's not something you turn on, it's just who you are. But here's the best part: when two people with good energy meet along life's path, something special happens. It's like the universe nods and says… 'Yep, this connection matters.' That's the vibe of today's post and podcast.

I'd like you to meet Marcus John. He is 'good energy'. He and I go way back to when he was a young doorman in a building I lived in in Westchester, NY. There was just something special about him from the minute I met him and I loved talking to him and loved that I could always make him laugh.

When life threw me an ovarian cancer curveball back then, I chose Marcus to be my trusted driver to and from my chemo journey in NYC. I knew that he had just the right kind of good energy to help keep my spirits up as I tried to plow through the challenge of staying alive.

We talked a lot about 'a lot' on those rides. And he saw me at my worst. The rides started with my own hair attached to my head, then morphed into 'bald me' wearing wigs with names we'd joke about, and culminated with 'swollen me' just trying to hang in and push through. Lucky for me I did. Marcus was a light during my darkest time.

Marcus and I both moved on from that building but stayed in touch over the years. Last week he sent me a birthday text reminding me how much I adored him and his beautiful energy. I quickly threw out a lunch invite and we both immediately made it happen.

Why? Because our connection matters and because it's important that we all try harder to see people 'in person' that matter to us.

We sure had some great laughs at lunch at the Cheesecake Factory which I chose because Marcus is now a 'vegan' and the Cheesecake Factory offers spectacular vegan options.

Turns out Marcus is now a wildly creative vegan chef with a heart (and menu) full of love.

From artichoke croquettes to his walnut meat chopped cheese sliders. and his signature 'Rasta Pasta', Marcus is on a mission to turn soul food into food for your soul.

His company Beyond Bussin is redefining what vegan food can be—and where it can go next (yes, a food truck is in the works!)

By the way… I learned something new. When the kids say something is "bussin'," they mean it's really, really good—especially when it comes to food.

So when Chef Marcus John named his vegan company "Beyond Bussin," he was saying: This food goes beyond delicious. It's next level.

"Vegan food can be delicious, nutritious, and comforting—like your favorite comfort food. You shouldn't have to sacrifice joy to eat well." – Marcus

And Marcus and I both agree:

"Good energy can't die. You are the good energy that changes what's around you."

Where to Find Marcus:

• Sundays: Riverdale Craft Market (260th & Riverdale Ave, Bronx)
• On a Restaurant Menu: 'Off The Hook', Yonkers (Rasta Pasta & Artichoke Croquettes)
• IG: @BeyondBussin
• Catering: Available for vegan-friendly events and celebrations

Enjoy this heartwarming and hilarious Wellness Wednesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, featuring special guest and star vegan chef Marcus John, founder of Beyond Bussin.

Luxury, Innovation, and Popcorn? Yes, Please.

On this Trending Tuesday episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I'm spilling the popcorn on a jaw-dropping new addition to one of my longtime favorite iconic hotels, the Hyatt Regency in Greenwich, Connecticut.

Shawn Nayyar, the hotel's new General Manager, joined me in studio to talk about the Townsend Cinema, a first-of-its-kind 40-seat luxury movie theater built right inside the hotel—a concept developed by Monoplex and Trinity Investments, now brought to life at the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.

"We're the first in the country to have this kind of cinema experience inside a hotel—and the response has been incredible." – Shawn Nayyar

You can sip cocktails, eat gourmet truffle popcorn, and watch first-run movies like Superman and Fantastic Four—in heated recliners!

(I'm a heated seat girl. I'm all in!" LOL)

Why It's a Big Deal:

• First-run movies play the same day as nationwide theaters.
• Heated leather recliners, Dolby surround sound & a full menu.
• Drinks & gourmet snacks from the newly renovated café and bar.
• Revitalizes underused hotel space
• Draws both locals & travelers
• It's already increasing traffic and revenue across hotel services

Fun Fact: The luxury theater was once just a rarely used auditorium.

"This idea is going to revolutionize unused hotel space across the country—and maybe the world." – Debbie Nigro

Peek Behind the Scenes:

• Shawn Nayyar has managed 15+ hotels and relocated from Dallas, Texas, to lead the $40M transformation of the Greenwich Hyatt.
• The property still retains nods to its Condé Nast publishing days, with engraved pillars featuring iconic magazine titles. Before becoming a hotel, the property housed Conde Nast's printing presses, which produced magazines like Vogue, Vanity Fair, and House and Garden
• The atrium is filled with live plants, giving a "feel like you're outside, even in winter" vibe.
• Private rentals available for birthday parties, corporate events—even pool rentals!

Catch a Flick or Book a Stay:

• Movie listings and tickets → TownsendBarandCinema.com
• Hotel info → HyattRegencyGreenwich.com

Enjoy this podcast of the fun live radio interview on The Debbie Nigro Show with Shawn Nayyar the new GM of the Hyatt Regency Greenwich.

Ever dreamed of jamming with rock legends like Ringo Starr, Gene Simmons, or Alice Cooper? David Fishof — legendary music producer, sports agent, and founder of Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp has been making those dreams come true for 25 years and counting.

On this episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, it was an absolute blast welcoming David to share his wild ride from managing NFL stars to organizing epic jam sessions for everyday rockers. (And yes, he created Ringo's All-Starr Band!)

"It's my fantasy to change people's lives through the power of music," David said.

And wow, he sure is doing just that.

From high-powered lawyers to high school band alumni, campers come from all walks of life to fulfill their rock and roll dreams — and leave transformed. As David shared:

"Joe Perry once told a camper, 'You're not a lawyer who plays guitar. You're a guitarist who practices law to pay for his guitars.'"

You can get a good glimpse inside David's world and his Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp by watching the documentary 'Rock Camp' free on Amazon Prime. You'll see 4 rock 'n' rollers from various walks of life getting a once in a lifetime chance to jam with their heroes and 30+ legendary musicians who've been a part of it all.

New in 2025: David's expanding the current Rock 'n Roll Fantasy Camp experience with songwriting camps led by hitmakers like Linda Perry ("What's Up"), plus don't miss the upcoming camps in Phoenix and Fort Lauderdale featuring Alice Cooper, Rob Halford, and members of the Billy Joel Band and many more. David also spoke of a heartwarming film project spotlighting music's healing power which will air after October 7th.

Now based back in New York, David Fishof is also giving back by teaching at Yeshiva University's Sy Syms School of Business, helping young people learn sports and entertainment marketing — and how to bring personality to business.

"Book smarts alone don't cut it. If you can't connect, you can't close."

David's advice? Surround yourself with people better than you. Be bold. And take the shot —

And You KNOW My Advice Always! Risk It! Or Regret It! "– Debbie Nigro

Whether you play or just love music, Rock 'n' Roll Fantasy Camp is a one-of-a-kind experience — and a rockin' gift idea, by the way.

Listen to the full interview on The Debbie Nigro Show – shared now as a podcast and get inspired to finally live your rock dream.

Who says it's too late to be a rockstar?

Live Theater Is Having a Wonderful Resurgence - Wait Till You Hear About Its Next Act!

On a recent episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I caught up with longtime pal, producer and innovator Paul Lambert about an exciting new chapter in entertainment: iStage.

What makes iStage so unique? It's the first community-first approach to building musicals—blending digital engagement with the magic of live performance.

Instead of starting with a script and hoping people show up, iStage builds a community around a topic first, then creates a show the audience already cares about.

"Why produce a musical no one asked for? Build the audience first. Then give them the show they want." – Paul Lambert

iStage taps into existing passion groups—like fans of American Bandstand, environmental causes, or baseball—and invites them to participate, vote, and even own a piece of the show they're helping bring to life.

"For the price of a Broadway ticket, people might actually own a small part of a musical. That's never been done before." – Paul Lambert

At the heart of this new model is a blend of heart and data. iStage's Digital Business Futurist, MJ Witt, helps lead the charge by using gamified platforms to build and engage vibrant online communities. The data these fans share guides creative decisions, making sure the show reflects what the audience wants to see.

"Some call it the democratization of theater. We call it smart." – Paul Lambert

Even better? iStage spreads investment across multiple musicals, so producers and partners aren't betting on just one show—they're backing a diversified portfolio with global appeal.

"We don't pick a topic that only plays in New York or LA—we pick big, universal stories that resonate around the world," said Lambert.

From AI and angels to iconic music and movement-building, iStage is not only creating musicals—it's building meaningful, lasting cultural experiences that start with the audience, thrive through connection, and grow with purpose.

So whether you're a Broadway lover, investor, or future fan, stay tuned—iStage is setting the stage for something extraordinary.

Enjoy this podcast of my live conversation about iStage with Producer Paul Lambert on The Debbie Nigro Show.

Kathy McShane is Empowering Women Entrepreneurs 50+ to Embrace the Future

On a recent episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I was thrilled to welcome back longtime friend and unstoppable force in women's entrepreneurship, Kathy McShane. Kathy is the founder of Ladies Launch with AI, a three-time business founder, and the former head of the U.S. SBA Office of Women's Business Ownership. These days, she's on a mission to help women—especially over 50—leverage AI to start and scale businesses faster, smarter, and with more confidence.

"AI doesn't have emotions," Kathy emphasized. "And women often run their businesses emotionally. AI gives them a clinical lens to evaluate what's working and what's not."

She busts the myth that AI is just for "young tech guys," and reminds us that many women over 50 are not only capable of mastering AI—they're perfectly positioned to lead the next wave of entrepreneurship.

Kathy and her team help women build full business plans, marketing strategies, pricing models, and websites using AI—in as little as 10 weeks! Plus, they offer a free 30-minute consultation to ensure every woman's business idea gets the thoughtful support it deserves.

Want to turn your great idea into a real business? Kathy says now's the time: "Women 50+ are going through life transitions and saying, 'This is MY time.' AI can help them make the most of it."

Check out the full conversation with Kathy McShane on the podcast replay of our live conversation on The Debbie Nigro Show and get ready to launch your next chapter—with a little help from your new robot friend.

As heard on The Debbie Nigro Show

Sometimes it really helps to just talk to other caring people about whatever you're going through. Now there's a place where you can.

I had a talk with Scott Kelsey, the incredibly resilient Founder & CEO of Shareapy—about his groundbreaking wellness platform born from personal tragedy and built to foster connection, healing, and personal growth.

After a life-altering fall down a staircase left him with a traumatic brain injury, Scott found himself forced to hit pause—and reflect. "I had to isolate, be in a dark room, and let my brain heal," he shared. That isolation led to introspection, which ultimately led to inspiration.

Through peer support groups and candid conversations with others who had walked similar paths, Scott experienced something powerful: true connection. And from that connection, the idea for Shareapy was born—a space where people could listen, think, and share openly in facilitator-led virtual gatherings.

"Every time I shared my story, I felt calmer… and every time, the other person would say, 'Hey, sharing my story helped me too,'" Scott said. That mutual exchange of vulnerability and strength became the core of the Shareapy Method.

Today, Shareapy supports people from ages 19 to 81 through weekly 60-minute sessions that are safe, confidential, and completely voluntary—you don't even have to talk if you don't want to. Just listening can be transformative.

With loneliness now considered the number one public health issue in the U.S., according to the Surgeon General, Shareapy is more than a wellness trend—it's a much-needed movement.

To learn more or join a session, visit Shareapy.com.

I'm sharing this podcast of my warm conversation with Shareapy Founder Scott Kelsey on The Debbie Nigro Show because I sense more people might benefit from knowing about it.

As heard on The Debbie Nigro Show

There's a hot new real estate migration trend picking up steam among Northeasterners and former Floridians: they're becoming "Halfbacks"—people who moved to Florida, found it a little too much (too hot, too humid, too everything), and are now settling halfway back up the East Coast. Their happy medium? Coastal North Carolina.

On The Debbie Nigro Show, I got the inside scoop from Jason Faulkner, General Manager of Kingfish Bay Development in Calabash, NC—one of the fastest-growing destinations for these lifestyle-minded movers that's just minutes from Sunset Beach and Ocean Isle. They recently won a prestigious 'Best Outdoor Living Award' for their exceptional integration of indoor-outdoor living spaces from the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association.

Key Takeaways:

· Halfbacks Are Flocking In: Retirees and pre-retirees from New York, New Jersey, Boston, Philly, and Florida are relocating to Calabash for its mild four seasons, coastal charm, and resort-style living.

Kingfish Bay Is Hitting the Sweet Spot : Award-winning home styles, riverfront views, private beach club access (with actual parking!), and outdoor living spaces with pools, porches, fireplaces, are what people seem to want. They also are drawn to a great fitness center, the tropical pool complex, fishing pier, outdoor amenities—and pickleball nearby for the fans.

· Laid-Back, Not Boring: Calabash is just minutes from Myrtle Beach and close to Wilmington, giving residents easy access to top-notch golf, restaurants, entertainment, and healthcare.

One question I just had to ask Jason on behalf of some women I know. How's the hair weather there?

"You know there are women who would not intentionally move to a place with bad hair weather. Just saying." – Debbie Nigro 😄

That issue is neither hair nor there for most people wanting to flee the Florida heat or looking to trade in snow boots for flip-flops – they just agree the the "halfway back" lifestyle trend might be a welcome next move.

Enjoy this podcast of my live conversation about the 'half back' real estate migration trend - with Jason Faulkner General Manager of Kingfish Bay Development in Calabash, NC on The Debbie Nigro Show.

This story of mind-blowing resilience is a wake-up call for anyone feeling stuck, sidelined, or afraid to bounce back.

On a recent episode of The Debbie Nigro Show, I had the joy of speaking with global wellness pioneer Dan Metcalf—international performer turned brain-injury survivor, Olympic coach, and now CEO of Total Balance Company and Born Superhuman.

Hard to believe this superhuman got in touch with me to see if I was interested in uncovering how we could inspire listeners together.

Here's what I read when I opened his blind email to me.

Hey Debbie.

"I've been following The Debbie Nigro Show and truly appreciate the inspiring stories you bring to light. I believe I could add a compelling angle to your discussions with my unique journey in health and mental resilience. As someone who has performed live for over 5,000,000 people globally and played lead roles in Andrew Lloyd Webber shows, I've learned resilience like no other, especially after being paralyzed during a performance. This experience resulted in a brain injury in 2018, leading to partial brain death, but through sheer determination, I've completely recovered and continued to inspire others."

I wrote him back…." You had me at Hey Debbie!" lol

SO… here's Dan Metcalfs story.

Once paralyzed during a live performance of Starlight Express in Las Vegas, doctors told Dan he'd never walk again. Instead of giving in, he rewrote the script of his life—and proved them wrong. By tapping into the brain's natural ability to heal, he discovered how to turn trauma into transformation.

"Why be a victim when you can be a hero?" Dan said. "And the hero isn't for other people—it's for yourself."

Now fully recovered (after surviving two traumatic brain injuries), Dan's groundbreaking work in brain-to-body mobility training is helping over 70,000 people worldwide—including individuals with Parkinson's, MS, and seniors at risk of falling—reclaim their balance, strength, and sense of self.

Dan is living proof of the extraordinary potential within us all. From performing for millions in Andrew Lloyd Webber shows to creating life-changing innovations in human performance, his journey embodies the unwavering determination and resilience we all have access to. He's trained tens of thousands—and learned from every real-life obstacle he's faced.

"Turn hope into belief," he says. "We are all born superhuman."

Life Changing Training for Aging Longevity

Dan Metcalfs' Total Balance Board system isn't about fancy equipment—it's about reactivating the miracle machine we already have: the brain.

When he first created the now-patented training system, Dan had no idea just how dynamic its impact would be. At its core, Total Balance is based on the belief that no challenge is unbeatable when met with determination, creativity, and empathy. His methods are redefining what's possible in both peak performance and physical rehabilitation—at every age.

"Balance is the foundation of a successful physical life," Dan says, "and my passion lies in helping people overcome challenges with movement, stability, and confidence."

Key Takeaways:

• Falls are the #1 cause of injury-related death in seniors. Dan's system helps rewire the brain to prevent them.
• His motto? "We don't stop playing because we age. We age because we stop playing."
• He believes we all have superhuman potential—and he's living proof.

From performing for 5 million people to coaching Olympic athletes and now as a highly in demand motivational speaker, Dan Metcalf is showing the world that comeback stories aren't just possible—they're powerful. His story isn't just about survival—it's a blueprint for unlocking the extraordinary in all of us.

"Never underestimate the power you have. Every challenge has a solution." — Dan Metcalf, Born Superhuman

Catch this wildly powerful and inspiring conversation with Dan Metcalf on this week's episode of The Debbie Nigro Show!