Welcome, friends. 

Today we’re exploring gratitude — not just an emotion, but a mindset, a skill, and a way of seeing the world that can reconnect you to what truly matters. 

As we get older, many of us experience a quiet crisis of purpose. The goals that once fueled us lose their spark. Achievements feel less fulfilling. Comparison creeps in. Gratitude offers a way back — not by reinventing yourself, but by remembering yourself.

In this episode, I’m joined by my closest friend, Jesse Shafer (from Episode 1), to reflect on my journey through making the podcast fueled by a recent crisis of purpose that pushed me to rethink my life, my goals, and my relationships. With encouragement from a mentor, I set out on a journey that led to ten powerful conversations — many with people I had never met before — spanning seniors, veterans, LGBTQ youth, people with disabilities, public servants, and families navigating homelessness and affordable housing.

Along the way, I confronted my own assumptions, felt the weight of others’ lived experiences, and discovered how deeply human connection can expand your understanding of the world.

Balancing genuine sentiment with ‘off the cuff’ humor (we can’t resist), Jesse and I look back on:

• The impact privilege on gratitude
• My struggles with imposter syndrome
• The importance of empathy, curiosity, and listening without judgment
• The unexpected joy and wisdom found in our own community

And to anyone feeling lost or questioning their purpose: practicing gratitude won’t fix everything, but it can change the way you see everything. 

You don’t need to be remembered for what you had — but for how you lived and how you made others feel.

One day my kids — maybe even my grandkids — will listen to these conversations. I did this to become a better person. To practice curiosity, empathy, and presence. To prove there’s more wisdom in a stranger’s story than in any book. To remind you that being human is messy… but it’s worth it.

This podcast isn’t about being important. It’s about being present.

Thank you friends for listening. And thank you for being part of this journey.

Sixteen million Americans—about 6% of the U.S. population—carry the title of veteran. They live quietly among us, yet their acts of sacrifice, resilience, and patriotism have shaped our freedoms in ways most of us will never fully grasp. We honor them with parades, ceremonies, and endless “thank yous.” But what happens when the bands stop playing?

In this episode of What Do I Know?, we look beyond the public salutes to explore what life after service really looks like for veterans. Many face challenges that extend far beyond their time in uniform—mental health struggles, housing insecurity, substance abuse, and the physical and emotional toll of combat. Joining me is Navy veteran Phil Delgado, headmaster of Westport’s Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 399. Together, we’ll unpack the VFW’s mission, the evolving needs of veterans across generations, and how organizations like Post 399 are adapting to support those returning from recent conflicts. From the camaraderie of the VFW hall to the quiet battles fought in everyday life, Phil shares a candid look at what it means to serve, transition, and keep moving forward.

💡 Inside the Episode:

• What the VFW is, its 125-year history, and how Post 399 is serving veterans today
• The differences between the VFW and the American Legion—and who each organization supports
• How veterans’ needs have evolved from World War II to Post-9/11 service members
• Mental health, PTSD, and the alarming suicide rate. Why do many veterans stay silent about their service. 
• How civilians can move beyond “thank you for your service” to become true allies

💬 Why This Conversation Matters:
Our freedoms—speech, press, bear arms, religion, protest, privacy—aren’t guaranteed everywhere in the world. Veterans have defended them for decades, often at great personal cost. This episode challenges all of us to think about what comes after the parade, and how we can show up for the people who showed up for us.

Stay Connected:

• LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
• Follow What Do I Know? on Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok
• Not on social media? Sign up for the bi-weekly newsletter for new episodes and recaps
• Podcast Website to listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose
• YouTube Channel with supplemental content

In this episode, we open the door to a deeper understanding of the LGBTQ+ community — one that has existed across every culture and era yet continues to evolve in visibility and vocabulary. As the world celebrates WorldPride 2025 in Washington, D.C., we zoom in on the people and stories shaping change right here in our hometown. My guest, Kayla Ionetta — an educator, self-advocate, and chair of the Westport Public Schools Pride Coalition (a Gay Straight Alliance or GSA) — joins the podcast to explore identity, understanding, and how we support LGBTQ+ youth in a shifting political landscape.

Listen as GenX (me) talks to a Millennial member of the LGBTQ+ community (Kayla) about GenZ LGBTQ youth today. A delightful and enriching conversation.

What You’ll Learn

• LGBTQ+ 101: Clear distinctions between sexual orientation, gender identity, and how we feel, identify, and express ourselves. 
• Personal Stories: Kayla (she/they) shares their journey as a gay, gender-fluid individual and the power of self-definition.
• Old Truths, New Terms: Are LGBTQ+ identities truly new—or have they always been part of the human story, only now being recognized and named?
• Youth Support: How local programs—from middle school mentorships to high school Pride events—create safe spaces, and the questions around parental notification and group support.
• DEI Backlash: Amid rising opposition to diversity and inclusion, how does the LGBTQ+ community remain visible and vocal?

Why This Episode Matters

Identity is not a debate—it’s a part of being human. This episode cuts through the noise with a candid, compassionate dialogue across generations and identities. Whether you’re a parent, educator, ally, or just curious, this episode challenges assumptions, humanizes complex issues, and reminds us that every young person deserves the freedom to be seen, supported, and safe.

Stay Connected:

• LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
• Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
• Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes and recaps
• ⁠Podcast Website⁠ listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose 
• YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content

Over the past three decades, youth sports in America have undergone a massive transformation. What was once a casual, community-based activity is now increasingly shaped by professional-level infrastructure, technology, and investment. In this episode, we explore how parents, coaches, and communities can navigate this evolution to support kids in the healthiest, most meaningful way possible. Our guest, Jeremy Goldberg, President of LeagueApps, and a parent-coach himself, brings unmatched insight from the intersection of sports, technology, investment and youth development.

🎯 In This Episode, We Cover:

• How youth sports have evolved since the 1990s—from local leagues to national travel teams and tech-enhanced performance training
• The role of AI, social media, and structured investment in shaping young athletes' experiences and outcomes
• How the business of youth sports is creating both opportunity and pressure for families across the country
• Where youth sports may be headed by 2030, including equity, access, and new models of leadership
• LeagueApps’ work with underserved communities and the launch of NextUp—a professional platform for the youth sports industry

⚾ Why This Conversation Matters:
Youth sports now impact everything from family schedules to college admissions, shaping not only kids’ athletic skills but also their confidence, identity, and social worlds. Understanding this fast-moving shift isn’t just important for parents and coaches—it’s essential for anyone who cares about equity, community, and the future of play.

Stay Connected:

• LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
• Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
• Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes and recaps
• ⁠Podcast Website⁠ listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose 
• ⁠YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content

Today we shine a light on a group of people whose lives have spanned nearly a century of extraordinary change—our senior citizens. From the moon landing to smartphones, world wars to civil rights, their lived experiences offer not just history, but wisdom, humor, humility, and heart. Joining us to help celebrate this remarkable generation is Wendy Petty, Director of the Westport Center for Senior Activities (WCSA), a vibrant community hub that’s redefining what it means to grow older with purpose, passion, and connection.

👟 In This Episode, We Cover:

• What the Westport Senior Center is and how it serves as a dynamic, welcoming space for older adults
• Personal reflections on volunteering, and the unexpected energy and joy found at the WCSA
• Insightful and moving testimonials from members, including veterans, artists, former nurses. 
• Stories that span Broadway stages, Wall Street battles, and life-changing relocations late in life
• A heartfelt conversation with Wendy about generational empathy and the profound impact seniors have on families and communities

In this enlightening episode, we sit down with James Ross, Chair of the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities, and Elaine Daignault, Director of Westport Human Services, to explore what it truly means to see the person before the disability. Through stories, community insight, and cultural reflections, we uncover how embracing diverse abilities not only enhances individual lives but enriches our community.

💡 Inside the Episode:

1. The mission and impact of the Westport Commission on People with Disabilities
2. How Westport's Human Services Department supports youth, seniors, and people with disabilities
3. How people with disabilities express a deep desire not for special treatment, but for equal opportunity—to live, work, connect, and thrive without having to constantly prove their worth or fight for basic access. 
4. Eye-opening media recommendations:
5. "Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace" — Geraldo Rivera’s landmark documentary that exposed institutional abuse
6. The Undateables — A UK series challenging perceptions of dating and disability
7. Tina Friml — Stand-up comedian redefining representation with humor and heart
8. Little People, Big World - a reality TV series that follows the Roloff family, some of whom have dwarfism, as they navigate everyday life, relationships, and running their Oregon farm.
9. Crip Camp - a documentary that tells the story of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities in the 1970s that helped spark a revolution in the disability rights movement.
10. The legacy of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990
11. Inclusive employment: Why hiring people with disabilities is a win for everyone

🧭 Why This Episode Matters:
This episode challenges listeners to rethink what’s “normal” by focusing on the humanity, talents, and rights of people with disabilities. When we pause to truly see the person — not just the diagnosis — we create a more inclusive, empathetic, and a perspective on who we are as people first. Whether you're a policymaker, employer, parent, or neighbor, this conversation offers meaningful ways to connect, support, and uplift.

Media resources from this episode:

1. "Willowbrook: The Last Great Disgrace" Geraldo Rivera’s landmark documentary that exposed institutional abuse
2. The Undateables — A UK series challenging perceptions of dating and disability
3. Tina Friml — Stand-up comedian redefining representation with humor and heart
4. Little People, Big World - a reality TV series that follows the Roloff family, some of whom have dwarfism, as they navigate everyday life, relationships, and running their Oregon farm.
5. Crip Camp - a documentary that tells the story of a groundbreaking summer camp for teens with disabilities in the 1970s that helped spark a revolution in the disability rights movement.

Stay Connected:

1. LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
2. Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
3. Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes and recaps
4. ⁠Podcast Website⁠ listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose 
5. YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content

What does homelessness look like in an affluent suburb like Westport—and who truly gets to call it home?

In this deeply human episode, we go beyond the stereotypes to explore the hidden faces of housing insecurity in one of America’s wealthiest towns. At the heart of this story is Homes with Hope, a local nonprofit quietly rewriting the narrative on homelessness since 1984. From emergency shelter to affordable housing and wraparound services, they’ve been helping people not just survive—but rebuild their lives with dignity.

Featuring three thoughtful and inspiring guests, one of which lives in affordable housing in Westport.
 
💡 Inside the Episode:

• You’ll hear from three powerful voices, including Olena, a courageous mother who fled war-torn Ukraine and now lives in affordable housing at 122 Wilton Road. She shares her journey from refugee to rooted Westport resident—and how Homes with Hope helped her family plant new seeds of hope and independence.
• We also take you inside the Gillespie Center, a homeless shelter just steps from downtown, where residents talk candidly about the paths that brought them here and what it takes to move forward. Along the way, we unpack big questions: Who benefits from the invisible “safety nets” that cushion life’s blows? What happens when those nets aren’t there?

🌱 Communities vs. Castles:
We close with a heartfelt reflection on what makes a town feel like a true community. Why should the people who care for our children, serve our meals, and heal our wounds be able to live where they work? And how can we build towns that don’t just welcome—but truly include?

💬 Why This Episode Matters:
This episode is a powerful reminder: a stronger, kinder community is one that makes room for everyone. Westport is setting a high bar leading by example.

Stay Connected:

• LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
• Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
• Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes and recaps
• ⁠Podcast Website⁠ listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose 
• ⁠YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content

This episode is raw, fearless, and deeply moving. Host Bill Shakos sits down with Connecticut State Senator Ceci Maher for an unflinching conversation about mental health, addiction, and the heavy burden of stigma. Through powerful personal stories—especially those that hit painfully close to home—Ceci shares how her life was forever shaped by love, loss, and the quiet battles many face in silence.

In this episode, Ceci opens up about her late husband’s 15-year struggle with alcoholism, stemming from PTSD after being on-site during the September 11th attacks. She reveals the heartbreaking toll it took on their marriage, how addiction almost tore them apart—and how she ultimately lost the man she still calls her best friend. But this is also a story of resilience. Of replacing shame with compassion. Of turning pain into purpose.

Together, we shed light on the often-hidden realities of mental health and addiction, challenge the narratives shaped by judgment, and explore what it truly means to show up for those we love.

💡 What You’ll Hear:

• Beyond Politics: Ceci makes it clear—she’s not climbing a political ladder. Her fight for mental health justice comes from lived experience and deep empathy.

• From Tragedy to Advocacy: How three life-altering events led Ceci from private life to a career in social work, helping children in underserved communities.

• When It Hits Home: A deeply personal account of how PTSD and addiction entered her home, changed her marriage, and tested her heart.

• Empathy in Office: Why Ceci believes empathy belongs in leadership—and how it drives her work as a state senator advocating for those struggling in silence.

💬 Why This Episode Matters:

Mental health affects 1 in 5 American adults—yet stigma still keeps millions from seeking help. This episode is a call to listen without judgment, speak with compassion, and recognize that behind every struggle is a human being worthy of dignity, support, and love.

Stay Connected:

• LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
• Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
• Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes and recaps
• ⁠Podcast Website⁠ listen, follow, subscribe, and learn about Bill’s story and podcast purpose 
• YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content

What difference can one person make?

In the case of Westport, Connecticut, one person’s vision and dedication have shaped the town's culture and identity for over five decades. That person is Dan Woog, a man whose life's work has been a legacy of advocacy, storytelling, and community-building—transforming Westport into what it is today.

In this compelling episode of What Do I Know?, host Bill Shakos sits down with Dan, who has spent over 55 years as a student, journalist, soccer coach, author, and community advocate. Together, they explore Dan’s journey from a young writer to a pioneering force in Westport’s social fabric.

In This Episode:
A Lifelong Calling to Write: From his first column in high school to his bylines at the Westport News and the publication of 17 books, Dan shares how writing became a channel for documenting and influencing Westport’s evolution.

Building a Digital Legacy: For 15 years, Dan has run 06880 Where Westport Meets the World, a nonprofit blog that’s become a central hub for community stories, featuring over 18,000 articles and 100+ video podcasts.

Championing LGBTQ+ Advocacy: As a trailblazer for Gay-Straight Alliances (GSAs) in Connecticut, Dan reflects on his groundbreaking work in 1993, when he founded the first GSA in the state while also coming out as gay. His advocacy continues in his books and research on the intersection of sexuality, school life, and sports.

Time Machines & Messages in Bottles: With a focus on paying it forward, Dan shares insights into what advice he’d give his younger self—and what guidance he would offer the Westport of 2050.

Stay Connected:

• LinkTree page with all ways to listen, follow, and subscribe
• Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
• Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes and recaps
• ⁠Podcast Website⁠ 
• ⁠YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content (no episodes)

Why Local Government Matters & How to Get Involved
In this inspiring episode of What Do I Know?, host Bill Shakos interviews David Rosenwaks, a recent Westport resident who ran and was elected to local government position after noticing minimal representation of parents. They explore the power of local government and why getting involved can make a real difference.

In This Episode:

• From Finance to Entertainer to Local Government: David shares his journey from a career in finance and entertainment to running for local office in Westport.
• Making a Difference: Motivated by overcrowding issues at his children’s school, David wanted to represent newer residents and young families.
• Campaigning & Building Trust: How David connected with constituents by knocking on hundreds of doors and listening to their concerns and being responsive.
• Surprises & Challenges: The unexpected intensity of local government debates and the challenge of representing all viewpoints.
• Tips for Getting Involved: Why attending local meetings, learning about community issues, and running for office can create positive change.

Why Listen?
This episode is a reminder that local government directly impacts your daily life — and anyone can get involved to make a difference.

Stay Connected:

• Follow What Do I Know? on ⁠Instagram⁠, ⁠Facebook⁠, and ⁠TikTok⁠
• Not on social media? ⁠Sign-up for the bi-weekly newsletter⁠ for new episodes, recaps, and resources
• ⁠Podcast Website⁠ (episodes and supplemental content)
• ⁠YouTube Channel⁠ with supplemental content (no episodes)
• Bill's Voice Over Website (coming soon)