The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet

New York Legislative Series: Make Your Voice Heard

🎙️ Allen Caruso | NY Assembly District 113

What would Allen Caruso prioritize in Albany, and how would his experience building businesses shape his approach to state government?

In this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich welcomes Allen Caruso, Republican candidate for New York State Assembly District 113, for a conversation about affordability, small business, district representation, and the experiences that shaped his decision to run.

Caruso is a Saratoga Springs small-business owner with experience in restaurants, hospitality, real estate, and real estate development. Born in Plattsburgh and raised in Saratoga, he earned a business degree from SUNY Plattsburgh and describes a path from poverty and foster care to building businesses and creating jobs.

THE CONVERSATION EXPLORES:

• AFFORDABILITY & UTILITY COSTS: Caruso says one restaurant’s utility bill rose from roughly $1,100 in 2018 to nearly $2,900 this past January, and explains why he sees affordability as the central issue in the race.

• GAS TAX & UPSTATE COMMUTES: Rich and Allen discuss suspending or repealing New York’s gas tax and the burden fuel costs place on residents who must drive long distances to work, shop, and access healthcare.

• SMALL BUSINESS & CREDIT-CARD FEES: Caruso proposes giving businesses a state credit for the credit-card processing fees they pay when collecting sales tax on New York’s behalf.

• REDISTRICTING & REPRESENTATION: The conversation examines a district spanning parts of Saratoga, Warren, and Washington counties and Allen’s concerns about how legislative boundaries are drawn.

• FROM FOSTER CARE TO BUSINESS OWNERSHIP: Caruso shares his childhood experience with poverty, instability, and foster care—and how that background shaped his outlook on opportunity and public service.

LEARN MORE ABOUT ALLEN CARUSO:

https://carusoforassembly.com/

Thank you for watching and listening!

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New York Legislative Series: Make Your Voice Heard

🎙️ Sergio Esposito | NY Senate District 40

What would Sergio Esposito prioritize in Albany, and how would he work across party lines to pursue it?

In this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich welcomes Sergio Esposito, Republican candidate for New York State Senate District 40, for a conversation about his background, policy priorities, and approach to serving in state government.

Esposito serves as Yorktown’s deputy supervisor and town councilman. A small-business owner and former president of the Yorktown Chamber of Commerce, he also serves as a volunteer deputy sheriff with the Westchester County Department of Public Safety.

THE CONVERSATION EXPLORES:

• ENERGY COSTS & AFFORDABILITY: Esposito describes a July electric bill exceeding $1,000 and explains his “all-of-the-above” approach to nuclear power, natural gas, solar, wind, and hydropower.

• TAXES & STATE SPENDING: His concerns about government costs and the pressures facing families and residents on fixed incomes.

• BAIL REFORM & PUBLIC SAFETY: Rich and Sergio discuss their concerns about current policies, police morale, and the role of law enforcement in shaping legislation.

• HEALTHCARE ACCESS FOR SENIORS: Sergio shares his elderly parents’ experience navigating appointment apps and medical information, while Rich reflects on his father’s years practicing medicine.

• WORKING ACROSS PARTY LINES: Esposito discusses compromise, constituent service, and how he would approach disagreements with other lawmakers.

LEARN MORE ABOUT SERGIO ESPOSITO:

www.Esposito4NY.com

Thank you for watching and listening!

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On this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich sits down with Bruce Blakeman, Executive Director of Nassau County and Republican Candidate for Governor of New York, to discuss New York’s fight over the Second Amendment, public safety, and the future of freedom in the state.

Blakeman shares how, as Nassau County Executive, he’s strengthened law enforcement, reduced gun permit wait times, and earned recognition for public safety while pushing back against policies that punish lawful gun owners instead of criminals. Rich and Blakeman also discuss New York’s restrictive gun laws, the importance of voter registration among gun owners, executive orders, illegal immigration, taxes, energy policy, and what Blakeman says he would do on Day One as governor.

This episode covers:

• Nassau County’s public safety record and police support

• New York’s Second Amendment restrictions and the impact on lawful gun owners

• Why voter registration and participation are critical for protecting freedom in New York

Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to The Rich Giardino Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

On this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich sits down with Everett Noakes, a young political strategist and student of the University at Albany, to discuss the role of the next generation in shaping the future of American politics and restoring civil discourse in an increasingly divided environment.

Drawing on his experience working on local and statewide campaigns in New York, Noakes shares why young people should be involved in politics, what drives them to engage, and why open dialogue is key to moving the country forward. From campaign strategy and local races to national political rhetoric and dealing with an ideologically divided country, this conversation explores how today’s political climate is impacting civic participation and what it will take to bring people back to the table.

This episode covers:

• The impact of political rhetoric, division, and violence on civic discourse

• How focusing on policy, not personal attacks, can help rebuild trust in politics

• Why young people should be politically engaged and what gets them interested

Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to The Rich Giardino Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this special episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich sits down with the two candidates seeking the Republican nomination for New York’s 21st Congressional District. Each candidate joins the program individually to discuss their background, their vision for representing the North Country in Washington, and how they plan to navigate a divided Congress while advocating for upstate New York.

Throughout the episode, the candidates share their perspectives on economic development, federal policy, party politics, and the challenges facing rural and small-town communities across the district.

Today’s Candidates:

1) Anthony Constantino — Entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Sticker Mule, and businessman from Amsterdam, NY. Constantino discusses his experience building a manufacturing company in upstate New York, his decision to enter politics, and his views on economic growth, free speech, and party politics.

2) Robert Smullen — New York State Assemblyman representing the 118th District and former U.S. Army officer from Gloversville, NY. Smullen talks about his military service, legislative experience, and his priorities for the North Country, including national security, fiscal responsibility, and advocating for rural communities in Congress.

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In this special episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich hosts an in-depth conversation with the four candidates seeking the Republican nomination for New York’s 118th Assembly District. Each candidate appears individually to speak about their background, experience, and priorities, as well as how they plan to represent an upstate district in a Legislature dominated by a Democrat majority.

Today’s Candidates:

1) Heather Scribner — Fulton County Treasurer and President of the New York State Federation of Republican Women. Scribner discusses her experience in fiscal management, statewide coalition-building, and her strategy for advancing conservative priorities while working to deliver results for the 118th District.

2) Chanda King — Community advocate, small-farm owner, and longtime civic volunteer from Gloversville. Chanda, who is the wife of former Gloversville mayor Dayton King, wants to bring opportunity back to the area, emphasizing economic opportunity, tax relief, public safety, and a bottom-up approach to governance that puts local voices first.

3) Christina Van Valkenburgh — Town of Johnstown Supervisor, former law enforcement officer, business owner, and animal abuse advocate. Van Valkenburgh highlights her law enforcement background, opposition to unfunded state mandates, experience pushing back against industrial-scale solar projects, and her focus on strong constituent services.

4) Charlie Potter — Fourteen-year Fulton County Supervisor representing Gloversville’s 4th Ward. Potter is a strong supporter of law enforcement who emphasizes a district-first approach to representation, bipartisan problem-solving, and serving as a bridge-builder to deliver practical results for the people of the 118th Assembly District.

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On this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich sits down with cardiologist Dr. Perry Frankel to shine a light on one of the most overlooked challenges facing America’s first responders: the serious and preventable health risks within law enforcement, EMS, corrections, and fire fighting.

Drawing on more than three decades in preventive cardiology, Dr. Frankel breaks down why first responders face higher rates of heart attacks, strokes, aneurysms, and other life-threatening conditions—and how early detection can save lives. From mobile diagnostic units serving departments across the country to new advances in AI-driven wellness tools, this conversation reveals how modern medicine is saving lives before emergencies happen.

This episode covers:

• Why first responders face elevated risks for heart attacks, strokes, and aneurysms

• How AI is transforming preventive care and reducing hospitalizations

• The role of stress, shift work, and lifestyle in officer health

Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to The Rich Giardino Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

On this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich Giardino welcomes Sara Boerenko, Director of Community Mental Hygiene and Public Health for Montgomery County New York, back to the show to discuss the often-overlooked mental and emotional pressures families can face during the holiday season—and how those stressors impact public safety, health, and community well-being.

Sara explains why the holiday season can sometimes bring heightened anxiety, depression, substance use, and family conflict. Drawing on her dual role overseeing both public health and mental hygiene services, Sara highlights the importance of setting realistic expectations for the holidays, focusing on small attainable goals heading into the New Year, and taking the time to connect with and support loved ones in any way you can.

This episode covers:

• Why the holiday season can amplify stress, anxiety, and family tension

• Why small, realistic goals are the best approach to New Year’s resolutions

• How focusing on good memories and happy times is a healthy way to approach the holidays

Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to The Rich Giardino Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

On this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich sits down with machine learning expert, author, and keynote speaker Chris Dancy to unpack one of the most transformative issues of our time—the rise of Artificial Intelligence.

Together, Rich and Chris explore the evolution of AI from its earliest foundations to the powerful capabilities we see emerging today. Drawing on Chris’s extensive background in computers, data, and machine learning, they cut through the myths and misconceptions to deliver a clear, grounded look at how rapidly advancing AI is reshaping society—and what its future may hold.

This episode covers:

• What challenges A.I. poses to law enforcement

• What led Chris to get involved with AI

• The pros and cons of AI

Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to The Rich Giardino Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.

In this episode of The Rich Giardino Show: Where the Constitution, Crime, and Politics Meet, Rich and co-host Jenna Roth dig into a series of disappearances and tragedies connected to the vast, rugged Adirondack Park. They break down why the Adirondacks are one of the most challenging search-and-rescue environments in the country, which agencies respond when someone goes missing, and how everyday hikers can stay safe while they enjoy what the region has to offer.

Today’s Cases:

1) Earl “Eric” Dunckel — Missing since August 27, 1993. Eric, a 21-year-old and one of seven siblings, disappeared after heading out alone on a hike. His truck was found near the edge of the Adirondack Park in Lewis County with all of his hiking gear inside, but he was never found.

2) Leo DuFour — Went missing November 30, 2024; remains located May 10, 2025. Leo set out alone and never returned. Months later, his remains were found in the wilderness, with no publicly released cause of death.

3) Robert Garrow — Covered on a previous episode of the show, Garrow was one of New York’s most notorious serial killers, evading authorities for days by navigating dense Adirondack wilderness and using remote camps and cabins for survival. His story highlights just how easily dangerous individuals can vanish in the region’s deep terrain.

👉 Thank you for watching! Please like, share, and subscribe to The Rich Giardino Show on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms.