Your Hometown Podcast

Children need more than an education to succeed in life. They need positive role models, guidance, encouragement, and opportunities to develop confidence, responsibility, and character. Organizations like the Boy Scouts provide young people with experiences that help shape who they become, while mentors can make a lasting difference by believing in a child and helping them recognize their potential. Michael Miller has been mentoring children for decades as a Scout master and other activities. He talks about importance of scouting, mentorship, and the role we all play in helping guide the next generation.

Owning a restaurant is a dream for many people, but turning that dream into a successful business takes hard work, determination, and a willingness to take risks. From developing a concept and earning customers’ loyalty to navigating the day-to-day challenges of the restaurant industry, entrepreneurship requires perseverance. Steve Baskinger talks about the realities of owning a restaurant and what it takes to turn a dream into a business. Steve is the owner of Bask 46. 

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses navigating the seasons of our life.

There are moments in life when we find ourselves standing at a crossroads. We can stay with what is familiar, or we can take a leap, embrace a new challenge, and step into a bigger role. That kind of decision takes courage. It also takes a willingness to draw on everything we have experienced and learned along the way. Christine Tiseo has served her country, faced personal tragedy, volunteered in her community, and now she is taking another big step - she is running for mayor.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses navigating the seasons of our life.

Our health is one of the few things in life we have some real power to influence, yet so many of us wait until something goes wrong before we take our health seriously. Taking control of our health is about more than treating illness. It’s about prevention, making better choices, managing our weight, and giving our bodies the attention they need to stay healthy and energized. And when we take better care of ourselves, we also contribute to the health and well-being of the communities we call home. Dr. Assad Mujtaba talks about the state of health care, how we can take greater control of our health, and the connection between personal and community health. Dr. Mujtaba holds two doctoral degrees, including a Doctor of Medicine and a Doctor of Nursing Practice. He is a licensed Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in emergency room settings, and founder of the Mujtaba Clinic. He is also a candidate for Clifton’s City Council.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses navigating the seasons of our life.

Kindness may seem like a small gesture, but its impact can reach far beyond the moment. A helping hand, a thoughtful act, or simply letting someone know they’re not alone can create a ripple effect, inspiring others to do the same and making our communities stronger and more connected. Sometimes, one simple act of kindness is all it takes to make a meaningful difference in someone’s day—and perhaps inspire the next person to pay it forward. Stacy Caputo is helping turn that idea into action through Seeds of Kindness, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping neighbors in need through community drives and acts of giving. Their mission is simple but powerful: to spread kindness, inspire others to give back, and remind us all that we have the ability to make a difference in the lives of those around us.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses strategies for back to school success.

World War II changed the lives of millions of people across Europe, forcing families to confront unimaginable choices—whether to stay and risk their lives, or leave behind their homes, their families, and everything they had ever known in the hope of finding safety somewhere else. For those who fled, the journey to a new country was filled with uncertainty. Many arrived knowing no one, speaking little or no English, and having no idea what the future would hold. Lisa Wasowicz Levetsanos shares the remarkable journey her father, Andrew Wasowicz, made. Andrew left Poland as a young boy during this turbulent time, eventually making his way to the United States, where he built a family, created a life, and lived with an extraordinary sense of gratitude for the opportunities he was given. Andrew eventually had a career at Potters Industries as a senior research scientist, which used his love of chemistry and creative problem-solving skills. He retired from there with at least three patents to his name.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses strategies for back to school success.

What happens when the values you live by as a person of faith meet the realities and responsibilities of governing? And how does faith shape the way an elected official approaches the people and issues he serves? Nicholas Veliky has a unique perspective on those questions. He is both a public servant and a man of deep faith - and he brings those two worlds together in his daily life. Nick talks about his faith, his calling to the diaconate, and his journey into public service. Nick is a Passaic County Board of County Commissioners member, a marketing and business development professional, and a former president of the Clifton Democratic Club. He is also an ordained Permanent Deacon in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Paterson.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses strategies for back to school success.

Politics is personal and it starts at the local level. Local elected officials are the ones who make decisions that affect our everyday lives and impact communities. Little Falls Mayor, James Damiano, talks about why he ran for mayor and how the role has impacted his life. Mayor Damiano is a lifelong Little Falls resident who was recently elected to another term as the Township’s leader.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses why family traditions are so important to our emotional health.

In her younger years, Woodland Park Mayor, Tracy Kallert, never imagined she would one day be running her home town. As a lifelong resident, she loved Woodland Park, but when she pictured the mayor, she didn’t see someone who looked like her. After being encouraged to try her hand at politics, she learned that even though she didn’t have experience, she had a knack for the job and she uncovered talents that had been hidden. Today, Mayor Kallert is the first female elected mayor of the Borough, an honor she treasures. She talks about her journey from a single mom to borough leader, and inspires us to believe that achieving anything in life is possible.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses why family traditions are so important to our emotional health.

Life doesn’t always unfold the way we planned. Sometimes a major life change—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, divorce, illness, or another unexpected challenge—forces us to begin again. But those difficult moments can also become the start of an exciting new chapter. After the death of her beloved husband, Jim, Donna Scancarella chose to say “yes” to life, followed a longtime dream, and launched her own business as an independent fashion stylist with Cabi. Her infectious positivity, unwavering gratitude, and belief that when you look good, you feel good, have inspired countless women to embrace change with confidence. Donna shares how she turned heartbreak into hope and why it’s never too late to reinvent your life.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses why family traditions are so important to our emotional health.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Clifton