Upstate Impact

Teaching has changed, expectations have grown, and the challenges facing educators today are greater than ever.

This week on Upstate Impact, I’m joined by Jen Rafferty, founder of Empowered Educator, for a great conversation about her journey from the classroom to earning her PhD, becoming an author, and building a business around something she’s incredibly passionate about.

We dive into teacher burnout, the evolving education system, and how the principles Jen teaches apply far beyond the classroom.
Whether you’re a teacher, business owner, leader, or parent, there’s a lot to take away from this conversation!

Learn more about Jen and Empowered Educator: https://empowerededucator.com/

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This week on Upstate Impact, we’re joined by Bronson Kopp, Executive Director of Joseph’s House in Syracuse!

Joseph’s House is doing incredible work in our community, providing housing, support, and resources for pregnant women and mothers in need.

Bronson shares what inspired him to get involved, the mission behind the organization, and some truly powerful stories of the lives they’ve impacted along the way.

A great conversation about giving back, helping others, and the difference one organization can make right here in Central New York.

Learn more about Joesph's House for Women

Connect with Bronson on LinkedIn

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What does it really take to set yourself up for success?
This week on Upstate Impact, we’re joined by successful local entrepreneur Nick Moore to talk about his journey in business, the pivotal moments that shaped his career, and the decisions and habits that have helped him get to where he is today.

We also dive into personal growth, mindset, and ways to elevate yourself both personally and professionally.
A great conversation with plenty of takeaways, no matter where you are in life or business.

Connect with Nick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-mooreoranization/

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Enter To Win $25, 000 Off Your Home Project! ⁠https://form.jotform.com/262856175227161

This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with the legendary Gary Gait! 🥍🍊

From his historic playing career to building a business in the early days of professional lacrosse, Gary shares his journey both on and off the field.

We dive into his entrepreneurial mindset, the power of visualization, leadership, and how he applies those lessons today as Head Coach of Syracuse Men’s Lacrosse.

One of the greatest to ever play the game, now leading the next generation at Syracuse.

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From washing dishes at 15 to owning the company at 21, Ryan Novak’s story is anything but ordinary.

This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with the owner and CEO of Chocolate Pizza Company to talk about his journey, the lessons learned along the way, and the experiences that inspired his new book, Inner Armor.

A great conversation about business, leadership, resilience, and personal growth.

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Check out Chocolate Pizza Co.

This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Matt Flood, founder of TLDR Syracuse, the local newsletter keeping you plugged into everything happening around Syracuse and CNY.

We talk about Matt’s background as an engineer, his time at TCGplayer, his current role at Forbes, and how those experiences helped shape TLDR Syracuse.

We also get into what it’s like getting TLDR off the ground while balancing a full time career, being a husband and father, and his bigger vision of keeping more advertising dollars local while helping Syracuse businesses reach the people in their own community.

Great conversation about building something local and where Matt hopes to take it.

Check out TLDR Syracuse

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This week on Upstate Impact, we sit down with Dr. Brittany Schuller, founder of Mini Milestones Physical Therapy.

Brittany specializes in pediatric neuro physical therapy, working with babies and young kids and focusing on how the brain, nervous system, and movement all work together.

We talk about her background, what led her to start Mini Milestones, and some great practical advice for parents when it comes to milestones, development, and helping your kids along the way.

Learn more about Mini Milestones

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This week, we sit down with Nick Riley of High Minded Humboldt to talk about his journey out to Humboldt County, becoming immersed in the cannabis industry, and watching it evolve from the underground days to legalization and where it stands today.

We get into the culture of Humboldt, misconceptions around cannabis, how the industry has changed, and what Nick sees for its future.

We also took a little break while we brought the new studio to life, and we’re pumped to finally show it off. Well worth the wait!

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This week on the Upstate Impact Podcast, we’re joined by Catherine Donahue, founder of Flower Dough Bread Co.

From baking bread at home to building one of Central New York’s most beloved brands, Catherine shares the story behind Flower Dough, what it’s like balancing entrepreneurship with raising four young kids, and the lessons she’s learned while growing the business. We also talk about the role social media has played in the company’s success and what’s next for Flower Dough.

You won’t want to miss this one.

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Jovan Miller joins the Upstate Impact Podcast to share his journey from growing up in Syracuse as a multi-sport athlete to becoming a two-time All-American, two-time National Champion at Syracuse University, and playing professional lacrosse.

We also dive into the evolution of the game, why being a multi-sport athlete still matters, and what today’s players can do to develop their skills, separate themselves from the competition, and build their personal brand both on and off the field.

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This podcast is sponsored by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Renewal by Andersen CNY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠