S2:E46 | Something Wicked, Ripcord, Autism, Robojango & Utica Royalties

Creativity, community, technology, and self-expression come together on this episode of Hot Seat: Media Monday.Ron Klopfanstein and Photojournalist and AI Content Producer Jim Hale visit Something Wicked, a two-day festival where local musicians, artists, vendors, and attendees celebrate individuality, creativity, and the freedom to be yourself.Then, Suzanne Rodio, Denise Morganti, and Gaetano Fornino discuss DramaSphere’s production of David Lindsay-Abaire’s Ripcord. The comedy follows two very different women sharing a room in a senior living facility. Beneath its escalating pranks and battle of wills, the play explores friendship, vulnerability, aging, and continuing to embrace life.Autistic brothers Justin and Ryan join their mother, Christine, for a personal conversation about their very different experiences with autism. They discuss anxiety, sensory overload, communication, coping strategies, advocacy, and the importance of recognizing each autistic person’s individual strengths and support needs.Finally, returning guests James Nason and Hawa Peters join Ron for a wide-ranging conversation about creativity and human potential. James shares the latest on Robojango and discusses resilience, discipline, mentorship, and helping young people discover their abilities. Hawa previews the Utica Royalties Talent Show, where Ron will serve as one of the judges, and discusses the organization’s youth programs and upcoming Royal Roots and Rhythms Festival.WATCH THE FULL SHOW:YouTube:https://youtu.be/0RxSX74yhMoWATCH THE FEATURE STORIES:Something Wicked:https://youtu.be/D-utnNIvkLUA Conversation About Autism:https://youtu.be/Olv3eqqLENkFEATURED EVENTS:RipcordGrace Church, 6 Elizabeth Street, UticaFriday, August 14 and Saturday, August 15 at 7 p.m.Sunday, August 16 at 2 p.m.Tickets: $20https://dramasphere.ludus.comUtica Royalties Talent ShowSunday, August 16, from 5–7 p.m.730 Broadway, UticaOpen to all ages and all forms of talent. The winner receives $250 and an opportunity to perform with Utica Royalties at the New York State Fair.ABOUT THE SHOW:Hot Seat: Media Monday airs Mondays at 5 p.m. on 95.5 FM The Heat and streams at:https://955TheHeat.comFull episodes stream Wednesdays at 9 p.m. at:https://UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMondayHosted and produced by Ron KlopfansteinAudio engineering by Jonathan Brooks/DJ J-EasyPhotojournalism and AI content production by Jim HaleEntertainment Correspondent: Nabil KhanJournalist and Producer: Lily ChristopherAll the stories. All the culture. All in one show.#MeetMeInTheHotSeat #MediaMonday #955TheHeat #UticaNY #SomethingWicked #Ripcord #AutismAcceptance #Robojango #UticaRoyalties #CommunityJournalism