Well Done You

Today you will meet the engaging and impressive Kristine Allard. She discusses growing up as one of six children and living throughout the northeast, along with the skills she developed to adapt to change and new opportunities. Kristine will provide insights from her career in radio, journalism, and broadcasting, including details about working in a newsroom and a memorable news story that made an impact on her. She will share lessons learned and her journey to working in the non-profit sector. 

Kristine Allard serves as the Vice President of Development & Communications for Square One. In this role, Kris oversees donor relations, fundraising, special events, marketing, social media, and public relations. Under her leadership, the agency raises over $500,000 annually in corporate and individual support for Square One's programs and services.

In 1883, Harriett Merriam, the daughter of Charles Merriam (yes, of Merriam-Webster Dictionaries!) founded Springfield Day Nursery – now Square One – in response to a critical and unmet community need for childcare among Springfield Massachusetts’s working families. The vision of Square One is to affect meaningful change that results in better lives and more promising futures for children, families and our communities. Square One achieves this vision by raising funds, advocating on behalf of children and families, delivering research-based solutions, and developing needed services that promote education, health, safety, holistic development and self-reliance.

Kris’s past non-profit experience includes her role as Senior Vice President of Development & Chief Operating Officer for the YMCA of Greater Springfield; and Director of Marketing and Public Relations for the Northern York County YMCA and Sanford-Springvale YMCA, both located in southern Maine. Prior to her work in the non-profit sector, Kris was the Director of Communications & Public Relations for Imaj Associates in Providence, Rhode Island, where she supported clients in a wide range of industries including education, health care, entertainment and technology.

Kris began her career working as a broadcast journalist for several radio and television news stations in New Hampshire, Connecticut and Rhode Island.

Kris is an active volunteer for the YMCA of Greater Springfield, the Wonderfund of Massachusetts, and Ride-To-Remember Springfield. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Caring Health Center and the marketing committee for the Providers' Council.  She is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.

You can learn more about Square One at startatsquareone.org  

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

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Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

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Today, we have the pleasure of talking with Jim Casapizziolo, an army veteran, music producer, and owner of Casa Pizzeria. We discuss his upbringing in New England and Florida, his passion for music, entry into the pizza industry, his collaboration with his son, his pursuit of excellence, the concept of a pizza Disneyland, awards and competition victories, Dave Portnoy's visit, and my new dedication to being a pizza groupie.

Casa Pizzeria, located in Ludlow, Massachusetts takes pizza to a new level.  Jim Casapizziolo and his son Jason start every pizza with the freshest healthiest ingredients they can find.    Their concept is inspired by iconic pizza styles from all over the world and their kitchen is a creative laboratory where they celebrate the craft of making pizza for fun.  A recommended stop for foodies and pizza enthusiasts.  Visit www.casappizzeria.com and download their app. 

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

To inquire about advertising, contact [email protected]

Today we are talking with John Pataky.  This episode offers a master class for those seeking to excel in their work.  John’s story is one of dedication, leadership, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.  We discuss critical skills, the building blocks for success, courage to make course corrections, Smartless and why you want to be known for what you can deliver. 

John Pataky is an executive whose impressive career spans over four decades in the financial services industry. Having retired from EverBank in late 2023, he now serves as an advisor to the Chief Executive Officer of EverBank Financial Corp. In addition to this advisory role, John is the President and CEO of D&J Holdings, a boutique advisory and consulting firm.

John’s journey with EverBank began in 2010, where he held a number of senior leadership roles, including Chief Banking Officer with responsibility for all Consumer and Commercial banking businesses.

Before his tenure at EverBank, John was a consultant in the financial services industry and held key leadership roles with Credit Suisse and Bank of America (and predecessor companies). His leadership spans retail and commercial banking, insurance, technology, and telephone banking, demonstrating a versatile and dynamic approach to the industry.

John served as a director for a number of legal entities including AMC Holdings, Inc., Business Property Lending Inc, TIAA Commercial Finance Inc, and Tigris Commercial Finance Inc.

John is a sought-after speaker at industry conferences as well as board and committee chairmanship in both the industry and community space. He is a graduate with honors from the University of South Florida and resides in Jacksonville Beach, Florida.

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Meet Philip Van Cott, a talented artist, loving family man, brave marine, respected Vietnam Veteran and favorite friend.  We talk about growing up with a view of the Statue of Liberty, the best decision he ever made, how he felt the first time he put a paint brush in his hand, the discipline of a daily habits, lard bread and why he hopes his last words will be “I did not know that”. 

Born in Brooklyn New York, Philip Van Cott attended Catholic School, joined the Marine Corps and was deployed to Vietnam.  He became a member of Mike 3/7, a frontline marine riffle company.  In 1966 he was injured and returned to US soil.  At the age of forty, he enrolled in the University of Hartford Art School and his first series of artwork was inspired by his childhood playing in the streets of Brooklyn.  His work has also been influenced by his experience as a 20-year-old Marine in the rice paddies and jungles of Vietnam.   His art includes his breathtaking vibrant floral work and stunning abstracts.

Philip and his amazing wife Karen will be celebrating their 55th wedding anniversary this year.  They enjoy spending time with friends and their beautiful family, including two sons and five grandchildren.  Phil is well known for his delicious cooking often utilizing his Italian heritage in his dishes.

Phil has been featured in two documentaries.   A Face Of War released in 1968 followed Phil’s platoon and has been called one of the great Vietnam documentaries directed by Eugene S. Jones and available on You Tube.

Phil and other Vietnam Veterans appear in the Apple TV series Vietnam: The War That Changed America narrated by Ethan Hawke and released in January 2025.

To connect with Phil or inquire about his artwork, you can email him at [email protected]

Phil’s next art show will be – The Vibrant Florals of Philip Van Cott on Saturday, April 27, 2025, 12:00pm to 5:00pm at The Norcross House, 89 Maple Street, East Longmeadow, MA  01028.

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

To inquire about advertising, contact [email protected]

Are you ready for a breath of fresh air? Meet our guest, Adair Hatch. She is intelligent, talented, humble, and kind.  In this episode, we delve into Adair's unique upbringing with parents who were professional horse trainers. She shares her journey from growing up in a family that moved frequently to becoming a mortgage professional, helping her clients secure their homes. Adair discusses the challenges of starting over in new schools, developing adaptability, and advocating for oneself—skills that have proven invaluable in various aspects of her life. We explore the special bond she shares with her grandfather and the elevator advice that she reflects on daily.

You can connect with Adair Hatch:

Adair’s Profile

linkedin.com/in/adair-hatch-75b7a022

Email

[email protected]

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

To inquire about advertising, contact [email protected]

Calling my favorite leaders, business owners, top performers & change makers who are always looking to improve their results. You don’t want to miss this conversation.

Christian Hoding is a Denmark native, Copenhagen resident and the CEO & Co-founder of Hird, which has developed a platform utilizing neuro technology in the form of a headset that measures brainwaves, providing insights into how stress, focus and mental effort plays out in the workplace.

We talk about what it like growing up in Denmark, first jobs, proper food, mental health, the importance of gratitude and why having a real time well-being index of your stress, focus and energy is so important.

Check out the exciting work going on at Hird, request a free demo or get more information by visiting Hird - Data-Driven Mental Health Solutions for the Workplace – https://hird.io or email: [email protected]

 Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

To inquire about advertising, contact [email protected]

Brothers On Broadway

Meet Nick & Josh Burrage – brothers, professional dancers, working and living in New York City.   We talk about the opportunities they have on tour, on television, in movies and appearing on Broadway.  Our conversation includes growing up in dance and loving the arts, being resilient, and the amazing third brother in this family; youngest brother Andrew & whether he can dance.  Nick & Josh share the importance of family & friend support and the discipline it takes to be a professional dancer.  We get a double dose of everyone’s favorite Well Done You Wrap Up Questions and you will love hearing what they share. 

MEET THE BURRAGE BROTHERS -

Nick Burrage

A native of Westfield, Massachusetts, Nick trained at New England Dance Center, under the direction of Loree Cloud. Nick attended Marymount Manhattan College where he attained a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Dance. Post-college, Nick danced for the New York City based contemporary ballet company, Emery Lecrone Dance, where he performed at Jacob’s Pillow, as well as the Joyce Theater’s Ballet Festival. Nick has toured North America with the Broadway shows Wicked, CATS, and Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Cinderella. Nick currently lives in Brooklyn, NY and is appearing on Broadway in the show Moulin Rouge! 

Joshua Burrage

Born and raised in Westfield, MA, Josh grew up training at New England Dance Centers under the direction of Loree Cloud. Following high school, he was cast in the 1st National Tour of Disney’s Newsies where he toured the country for two years. In 2017, he made his Broadway debut in the revival of CATS at the Neil Simon Theatre. Other credits include the 1st National Tour of A Bronx Tale, Newsies the Musical: LIVE on Disney+, The Gilded Age and Westworld on HBO, and most recently the Paramount Pictures film IF. You can find him next back on Broadway in the new show, BOOP! The Betty Boop Musical.”

Check out Nick at The Al Hirschfeld Theater– www.moulinrougemusical.com.

Check out Josh at The Broadhurst Theatre www.BoopTheMusical.com.

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound

Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

To inquire about advertising, contact [email protected]

He is a big difference maker; we are talking with Robert Charland.  In our conversation we discuss growing up in a small town, developing work ethic, impactful community involvement, what lead him to learn several languages, creating positive interactions with law enforcement and bike convoys.

Robert Charland is a Deputy Sheriff with the Hampden County Sheriff’s department TRIAD division and the Founder of Pedal Thru Youth, Inc. He started working with children when he led a Girl Scout Troop for his daughter and coached her softball team. He went on to teach automotive for Willie Ross School for the Deaf and around the same time, he started fixing up bikes to donate to less fortunate kids. In 2016, after being diagnosed with a neurodegenerative disease, he naturally thought about his legacy. Bob decided that he wanted to create a formal organization and started donating bikes to large groups of children. Thus, the idea for Pedal Thru Youth was born. Giving bikes to those in need has expanded to medical supplies, backpacks, school supplies, warm clothing & more. Bob works closely with law enforcement to distribute these items providing a positive interaction during tough times. Bob has received numerous awards from government and community agencies for his work. Bob is a dedicated husband, father, stepfather, friend and an energetic, can do, collaborative leader.

You can learn more about Pedal Thru Youth and support the great work by visiting Pedalthruyouth.org.

Please remember to rate, review, subscribe and share this podcast. Thank you! For more information visit www.racookieproductions.com. 

Thank you to the episode sponsor- Good To Be Me, Discovering What Makes Me Special & Unique. This 5-star reviewed interactive book is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble and can be requested at your favorite bookstore.

Music by Pond5, Composer -Yasmine Mia Steele

Sound Editing by Textures Sound Hosted on Podbean.  See podbean.com for privacy information.  

Well Done You Logo Artwork by Mike Quinones G

Follow RA Cook on social media - @racookwriter (Instagram) and @ra.cook2023 (Facebook) @racookwriter (Tik Tok)

To inquire about advertising, contact [email protected]