Your Hometown Podcast

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses getting ready for the new school year, and Dr. Greg Sorkin, chair of Emergency Medicine at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about seeking emergency care for mental health challenges.

This episode is sponsored by:

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Flooding can wash away more than just belongings, it can shake a person’s spirit, uproot a sense of safety, and forever alter the course of a life. Ginny Caroselli opens up about the challenges she faced in the aftermath of a flood her family experienced. She shares how she navigated profound loss, leaned on her faith, and found the strength to move forward. Her story is a powerful testament to endurance, community, and the unwavering belief that even in the darkest waters, hope can rise.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses getting ready for the new school year.

This episode is sponsored by:

Sometimes life changes in an instant, and the place you once called home becomes a memory marked by devastation and grief. Karen slinger brings us a deeply personal and powerful story of loss, survival, and rebuilding. Karen lived in Little Falls for 30 years when her home was tragically destroyed during Hurricane Ida. In a matter of hours, everything she had built was swept away and she suddenly found herself navigating the heartbreaking aftermath of losing her home. Karen talks about the emotional toll of disaster, the courage it takes to start over, and the unexpected gifts that can emerge from devastation. 

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the importance of holidays and rituals to our mental health, and Dr. Sunitha Moonthungal, director of Primary Care Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the importance of preventative care.

This episode is sponsored by 

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Nursing is the heart of healthcare where compassion meets clinical expertise to provide holistic, life-saving care. Nurses are often the first to comfort, the last to leave, and the steady presence that holds the system together. Jennifer Kula Spirio brings a lifetime of wisdom and heart to the world of healthcare. Jennifer is a seasoned nurse with decades of experience at the bedside, in leadership roles, and now as an educator shaping the next generation of nurses. She’s witnessed firsthand the evolution of the medical field—from handwritten charts to digital records, from a task-oriented model to a more holistic, patient-centered approach. She joins us to share the changes she’s seen, the lessons she’s learned, and where she believes the future of nursing needs to go in order to truly serve both patients and providers. Jennifer has worked as a registered nurse, nursing educator, and adult nurse practitioner.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the importance of holidays and rituals to our mental health, and Dr. Sunitha Moonthungal, director of Primary Care Services at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about the importance of preventative care.

This episode is sponsored by:

Those who are dying or in grief often hold a kind of wisdom that only opens through deep reflection and emotional honesty. In facing the end of life or profound loss, they remind us of what truly matters. Anthony Sgobba has worked closely with people at the end of life or those in grief. Through stories they have shared, Anthony has witnessed their final reflections about what truly matters, what they regret, what they cherish most. He shares those insights to help us all live more fully, right now.

Anthony is a member of the Little Falls Township Council. He has served on the Little Falls Library Board, the Little Falls Board of Education, and the Passaic Valley Board of Education. He is the co-owner of Sgobba Monument Works located in Totowa, NJ.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex father/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Dr. Christopher Awwad, a family medicine physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about men’s health.

This episode is sponsored by 

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Science is the foundation of progress—it drives innovation, fuels discovery, and helps us make sense of the world around us. In today’s rapidly evolving world, encouraging the study of science and other STEM fields is more important than ever. Rich Paleski is a behind-the-scenes powerhouse in the world of broadcast television. With a more than 40-year career in broadcast engineering, Rich helped keep the shows we love on air with precision, innovation, and technical excellence. He is passionate about the importance of STEM education and is an advocate for inspiring the next generation to explore science, technology, engineering, and math. Rich most recently held the position of director of Broadcast Operation and Engineering for WCBS television. He invented the CBS mobile weather lab, and was an adjunct professor for Drexel University.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex father/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Dr. Christopher Awwad, a family medicine physician at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, talks about men’s health.

This episode is sponsored by:

We celebrate Memorial Day in the month of May, a time to recognize honor, service, and the sacrifice that too often goes unnoticed. Herb Brychta is a proud military veteran who is the commander of the American Legion Post 108. With years of service to our country and continued leadership, he brings a perspective that is both deeply personal and incredibly important. Herb talks about his journey through military service, the realities of life after duty, and the work being done through the American Legion to uplift and support those who have served.

This episode is sponsored by:

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex mother/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost.

This episode is sponsored by 

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

We celebrate Memorial Day in the month of May, a time to honor those who gave everything for our freedom and to reflect on sacrifice and what it truly means to serve. Jairo Rodriguez is a proud veteran who has shown incredible dedication to our country — both in uniform and in continued service beyond. He talks about his experience in the armed forces, and the lessons he learned about leadership, resilience, and teamwork. His story is one of courage and purpose. 

Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988 and then Press 1

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses the complex mother/child relationship and what we can do when it is missing, strained, or lost, and Darian Eletto, director of Outpatient Behavioral Health Services for Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, explains how to recognize the signs of depression and the evolving treatment options.

This episode is sponsored by:

Medical missionary work transforms lives around the world. Little Falls native, Jim Pullara, has been part of three surgical missions that brought life-changing procedures to some of the world’s poorest and most underserved communities. He talks about the heart behind the mission, the challenges of working in resource-limited settings, and the unforgettable stories that make it all worth while.Jim has seen firsthand how access to surgical care can restore dignity and offer. Jim is a vascular and general operating room nurse.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses autism signs, awareness, and acceptance.

This episode is sponsored by 

Schumacher Chevrolet of Little Falls

Firefighters are vital to our communities, providing life-saving support, protection, and calm in the midst of chaos when every second counts. They are the backbone of our safety, rushing into danger when others run away. Their courage, commitment, and quick thinking save lives and bring hope in moments of crisis. Todd Hollritt is a true hometown hero — a dedicated fireman who puts his life on the line to protect and serve the Woodland Park community. He talks about his journey with the West Paterson Fire Department and offers insight into the Department’s rich history. Todd joined the WPFD in 1980; he just entered his 45thth year of service with Rifle Camp Fire Company 3. Over the years, he served as first and second lieutenant and captain. Todd is a correspondent with First Responder News, and the historian at Company 3, responsible for documenting the history of the West Paterson Fire Department and surrounding fire departments.

Also in this episode, Pamela Martorana, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Kinderkamack Counseling, discusses autism signs, awareness, and acceptance.

This episode is sponsored by: