Your Hometown Podcast

Immigration has long been woven into the fabric of the American story. Behind every immigrant family is a journey marked by courage, sacrifice, hope, and the pursuit of opportunity. The decision to leave behind familiar surroundings and start over in a new country requires resilience and an unwavering belief in the possibility of a better future. Adam Chaabane discusses his family's immigration journey, the values that helped shape their success in America, and the importance of preserving cultural traditions while embracing a new society. Adam is a councilman in Woodland Park and a Deputy with the Passaic County Sheriff's Office.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses the complex relationship we have with body image.

This episode is sponsored by

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

There’s something deeply human about feeding one another. It goes beyond nourishment, it’s connection, comfort, and care all served on a plate. Across cultures and communities, food has always been one of the most powerful ways we express love. Whether it’s a home-cooked meal during hard times or a shared table during celebration, food reminds us that we’re not alone. And when that instinct to feed others is paired with purpose—when it becomes a way to give back, to serve, to uplift—something truly meaningful happens. Todd Daigneault is a chef with not only exceptional culinary talent, but a genuinely big heart. Todd has spent years in the catering world, bringing people together through food, but what sets him apart is how he’s used that same passion to support his community. 

Schumacher Chevrolet of Clifton

So many of us believe that the biggest decisions of our lives are behind us—that at a certain point, the path is set. But what if the most defining chapter is still waiting to be written? What if one bold choice, made later in life, has the power to change everything? Toni Belford Damiano has spent decades at the forefront of family law, advocating for clients through some of life’s most difficult transitions. She talks about what it means to reinvent yourself later in life and how one bold decision, like going to law school, can change everything. Toni is a highly respected matrimonial attorney and Municipal Court Judge with a career spanning over four decades.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses how to support and care for those battling mental health issues, and Larry Klein, director of Social Services and Behavioral Health at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, explains how in patient psychiatric care works and what families and patients need to know.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Autism is a spectrum that touches millions of individuals and families, yet it’s often misunderstood. As awareness continues to grow, so does the importance of deeper acceptance, better support systems, and more meaningful conversations about what it truly means to live with and love someone on the spectrum. Amy Pellegrini is an advocate for autism. She talks about raising awareness, supporting families, and fostering greater understanding and acceptance for individuals on the autism spectrum.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Live Your Best Life Coaching and Therapy Services, discusses how to support and care for those battling mental health issues, and Larry Klein, director of Social Services and Behavioral Health at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, explains how in patient psychiatric care works and what families and patients need to know.

This episode is sponsored by

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

What happens when the place that once inspired you almost becomes the reason you walk away—and how do you turn that moment into a mission instead? Billy Pinckney shares his journey from batboy for the New Jersey Jackals to becoming an author and speaker dedicated to inspiring the next generation. Through his story, Billy reveals how challenges in the game he loved led him to a greater purpose—empowering young people with lessons in resilience, kindness, leadership, and staying true to who they are.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explains the concept of being ok with being wrong and why it’s essential for growth, and Lauren Lehr, a behavioral health professional at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses alcohol awareness and early intervention.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

There is a profound difference between simply living in a community and actively shaping it. True community impact isn't built overnight; it is the result of people who show up, volunteer their time, and remain steadfast in their commitment year after year. This kind of unwavering dedication does more than just maintain programs—it builds a lasting legacy. Sam Yodice, the borough administrator for Woodland Park, explores his lifelong journey of service and how consistent, small acts of contribution can transform the world around us.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Sometimes the people who impact us most aren’t the loudest in the room. They’re the ones who listen, who care, and who quietly step in when something needs to be done. And often, it’s life’s hardest moments that shape that kind of character. Real difference is rarely about recognition — it’s about perspective, compassion, and the willingness to show up for others even when your own world feels shaken. Little Falls Councilman, Chris Vancheri, talks about service, strength, and the power of simply caring.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores how we can transition into Spring, and Dr. Grace Yang, a gastroenterologist at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, discusses diagnosing and treating colorectal cancer.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Working as a first responder is one of the most selfless ways a person can serve their community. EMTs and paramedics are often the first on the scene during someone’s worst moment — bringing skill, calm, and compassion when it matters most. Tami Hajbi talks about what it’s really like to serve as an EMT and paramedic: the realities behind the sirens, the heart behind the uniform, and the calling that keeps her showing up when others are running away.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Libraries are so much more than shelves of books. They’re places where curiosity is sparked, lifelong learning begins, and people of all ages find connection, resources, and support. From early readers to adults reinventing themselves, libraries help ensure that knowledge, opportunity, and imagination are accessible to everyone. Jeffrey Machno, the Liaison of Community Engagement and Adult Programming for the Little Falls Public Library, talks about the evolving role of the library, the importance of literacy and lifelong learning, and the programs and initiatives designed to bring the Little Falls community together.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores how we can nurture both our mental and heart health, and Dr. Irfan Admani, chief of Cardiology at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about how we can maintain heart health.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Pure Balance Center

Super Fresh of Woodland Park

Healing doesn’t always happen in a doctor’s office. Sometimes it happens on a stage, through story, music, or the courage to begin again. Dr. Joan Liman is a physician, public health leader, producer, and performer whose journey took her from healing bodies in medicine to healing hearts through the performing arts. After holding senior leadership roles in medical education and hospital administration, she retired from medicine and stepped into a powerful second act—producing off-Broadway shows, performing in community theater, and telling her own story through her musical memoir, A LimanAde Life.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, explores how we can nurture both our mental and heart health.

This episode is sponsored by:

Pizza City

Legal Leaf NJ

Super Fresh of Woodland Park