Being Frank

Lifelong Rockland County Resident Joseph Damian is a candidate for the Clarkstown Town Council.

You've heard the stories: You can own your own place in Sicily... and it's true! Frank did and so did his guest, Ilze Kinnear-Porter, who moved to the tiny village of Motta D'Affermo, Sicily from South Africa and never looked backed. She shares the challenges and rewards of living what the Sicilians call "La Dolce Vita." Taped LIVE From Sicily!

Harry Nilsson is a musical legend, and he was also a resident of Nyack, NY.Joining Frank is singer, songwriter, producer and friend of Harry Nilsson, Ernie Savage,who brings the man and his music back to life.Ernie Savage will be appearing on Saturday, 7/25/2026 at Maureen's Jazz Cellar in Nyack,performing a special musical tribute to Harry Nilsson.

Frank is joined by one of the foremost environmentalists in the world, Dr. Gidon Eshel, of Bard College. They discuss the causes and effects of Global Warming and some possible solutions. They also promote a new documentary film on the effects of Global Warming on olive production called "Sicily: An Island in Crisis" that will be shown at the Nyack Library, Tuesday, July 21 at 6:30pm.

Being Frank celebrates America 250 w/ filmmakers Tina Traster and Lennon Nersesian as they discuss their new documentary "The Story of US."Tina Traster is an award-winning journalist, author, and filmmaker. She is also the editor and publisher of a local independent news site in New York. She has worked in the newspaper and magazine industry since the early 1990's.Lennon Nersesian is an Emmy-nominated film editor, television producer, writer, and author whose work spans documentaries, live music programming, and narrative storytelling. He is also the author of several published novels and books. 

Being Frank celebrates 250 by acknowledging Rockland County's role in the history of America. Former Rockland County Executive and President of the Historical Society of Rockland County, Scott Vanderhoef, picks the Top 10 Historic Events and Places in Rockland County. Nyack Village Trustee Joe Carlin discusses the celebrations that are planned for the 4th of July.

Have you ever driven on North Broadway in Upper Nyack, NY and wondered what it might be like to have lived in one of those magnificent mansions that line the road? Well, you can! Visit Friends of River Hook at The Hester Haring Cason Preserve, a forever green space now owned by the Village of Upper Nyack. Current President, Sheryl LeRoy, gives us the unique history of the preserve and discusses the upcoming Nyack Sketch Log adventure, Sketch and Scribe Mob, with the creator of the NSL, Bill Batson.

Formal volunteer participation in the US recently hit historic lows of roughly 23%, causing a critical service gap nationwide.Joining Frank is longtime firefighter Daniel Goswick, Sr. who continues a family tradition of Volunteer Service in the village of Piermont, NY, and they discuss the causes, effects, and possible solutions to this growing problem.Also, Matt Koke of The Rockland County Pride Center, celebrates Pride Month by sharing his Proud Moment.

On this episode, Frank welcomes back documentary filmmaker Greg Mitchell to discuss his new PBS documentary “Woody Guthrie and the Ghost of Tom Joad Today” about the seminal meeting between Guthrie and the great American author John Steinbeck. A meeting that altered America's way of thinking in ways that are still felt today.Being Frank also continues its month-long Celebration of Pride with our special feature "My Proud Moment". This week, we meet Dominic Cullen who will share his Proud Moment with us. 

Frank is joined on this episode with guests Dr. Everett Preach Newton, pastor of the First Immanuel Missionary Baptist Church of Christ, Inc. in Central Nyack, NY, who discusses Juneteenth, and musician and entertainer Bobby Belfry, who celebrates Pride Month with some original music.

Frank and a panel of Democratic Committee Leaders discuss the importance of the upcoming midterm elections in Congressional District NY-17.Suzanne Berger, Chair of the Westchester County Democratic CommitteeJennifer Colamonico, Chair of the Putnam County Democratic CommitteePeter Reilly, Chair of the Stony Point Democratic CommitteeGina Ironside, Member NYS Democratic Committee, AD97

Being Frank is Celebrating Jewish-America Heritage Month.Frank is joined by 3 outstanding Jewish American leaders from Rockland County, NY:Andrea Meyer-Winograd, E.D. of the Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education David Kirschtel, CEO of the Lewis JCC.Paul Adler, attorney and Member of the Board of the Holocaust Museum and Center for Tolerance and Education.

Frank is joined by Alden Wolfe, Rockland County Legislator and candidate for NYS Supreme Court Justice, 9th JD. They talk about the issues and the challenges facing our Judicial System.Also, new music from one of our favorites, Andrew Ace Greenspan, as he debuts his new single, "Hudson River Water View."

MAY is MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH. Joining Frank are special guests, Jacqui Drechsler and Barbara Green, Volunteer Board Members of NAMI (National Alliance for Mental Illness) Rockland.NAMIRockland.orgHelpline: 1-845-359-8787

On this episode, Frank celebrates Independent Book Store Day (April 25) w/ Richard Fulco, owner of Nyack's Big Red Books, and 4/20 (April 20) with Seth Marks, owner of Rockland's #1 Cannabis distributor, Treehouse Cannabis. Plus original music from Jim Donica.

April is Autism Awareness Month. Autism now affects 1 in 31 children and the rate of autism has steadily grown over the last 3 decades. Frank discussess these facts and more with his guests Jeffery Friedberg, a board-certified music therapist and a NYS–licensed creative arts therapist, and Andrew Ace Greenspan, who uses his music to spread the word about how to overcome Autism and addiction.

Nyack, NY, one of the Hudson Valley's premiere dining destinations, is celebrating Restaurant Week 2026, April 13th through 19th. Joining Frank are Tristan Dunnigan and Tyrone Azanedo, two people from the Nyack Chamber of Commerce who are making it happen. If you like dining out, you'll love this podcast!Frank also talks with Jeff Spindel, the man responsible for bringing Latin recording star, Pedro Capo,to perform LIVE at The Famous Nyack Street Fair on Sunday, April 12.

Being Frank Celebrates Irish Culture with Author Sam Young. Taped LIVE from Northern Ireland, Sam discusses his new novel "Dance Hall Days",about growing up during "The Troubles", and how much Ireland has changed.Amazon links to Sam's Books:"Dancehall Days" by Sam Young –amazon.com 1068643102                                  "The Cruellest Month" by Sam Young —amazon.com 1068643110

When most people think of Jazz, they generally think of Men.But it would be a big mistake to not acknowledge the Womenwho have contributed so much to this truly American music genre.Joining Frank to celebrate WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH is Special Guest Eric DiVito.Eric is a musician, educator, and jazz historian, and they discussthe Top Women Jazz Artists Of All TIime!Starting April 10th and every 2nd Friday of the Month:The Eric DiVito Group will be appearing Live @ Maura's Kitchen in Nyack.  Time: TBD Sponsored by ACOR and Visit Nyack, Inc.

Frank's guest is Samuel Harps, Playwright and Artistic Director of The Shades Repertory Theater in Haverstraw, NY.  Also joining Frank is Barbara Noyes, who coordinates the Annual Penguin Plunge, a charity event that raises money for local children's medical needs. The event takes place Sunday, March 1st at Memorial Park in Nyack, NY, from12 noon until 2pm.

Frank discusses the 1982 film “Losing Ground,” one of the first feature filmsto be directed by a Black woman, Rockland County resident Kathleen Collins.Joining Frank is the filmmaker's daughter, Nina Collins, and Rivertown Film's Vera Aronow.The film is being screened by the Rivertown Film Society, at the Nyack Center,58 Depew Ave, Nyack, NY on Wednesday, February 25, at 8pm. For tickets and more information go to rivertownfilm.org 

Join Frank and his very special guests, Dr. Dana Greene Stilley, the 1st African-American woman elected to the Rockland County Legislature, and artist, educator, and community organizer Bill Batsonas they celebrate Black History Month with some Intelligent Conversation.On Wednesday. February 25, 7-9pm, Rockland County Legislator Dr. Dana Greene Stilley will be the Guest Speaker at the Nyack Chamber of Commerce After Hours Social.The event takes place at My Father's House, 12 North Broadway, Nyack, NYAlso, "Livin' Rough Hangin' Tough" singer/songwriter Andrew Ace Greenspan will debut his new inspiration single "BEAUTIFUL".Andrew Ace Greenspan will be appearing at Casa Del Sol in Nyack, NY on Friday, February 13, 8:30pm - 12 pm.

There is a proposal being floated to make Rockland County a so-called Sanctuary County by enacting The Safety and Dignity for All Act. What exactly does that mean and what could be the ramifications? Frank is joined by 3 proponents of the legislation:  Beth Davidson, Rockland County legislator and D candidate for NY's 17th Assembly District,Dr. Dana Greens Stilley, Rockland County legislator,and Joseph Rand, Nyack mayor and D candidate, NYS Senate.

A recent poll claims that only 36% of registered Democrats approve of their party’s leadership.Frank is joined by former Chair of the Rockland Democratic Party, John Gromada, for some INTELLIGENT CONVERSATION on this issue, and more.

"No One Cares About Crazy People" is a feature documentary film about the tragedy, crisis and chaos of severe mental illness in America, and a burgeoning national crusade to do something about it.Joining Frank are filmmaker GAIL FREEDMAN, ALYSSA SCHMIDT, LMHC VP of Mobile Support Services, Greater Mental Health of NY,and VERA ARONOW of Rivertown Film, to discuss this important topic.

Award-Winning Author, Psychologist, and Grateful Dead Afficianado Danny Mager discusses the Life and Legacy of Bob Weir.

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month.Joining Frank to discuss this topic is Stefany Ovalles, Esq., Deputy Program Officer for The Center for Safety & Change in Rockland County.Stefany will also be on hand for a special screening of the film "Trafficked in America" followed by an expert panel disussion at The Nyack Center on Sunday, January 11 at 4PM.For those unable to attend the event, the film can also be seen here:https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/documentary/trafficked-in-america/

Kenn Rowell and Yvonne Sotomayor are once again bringing a full day of FREE MUSIC to the The Hudson House in Nyack, NY, for Blank-Fest XXIX, on Sunday, Dec.14, from noon until late! Yvonne and Kenn are joined here on the podcast by special guests, Patti Rothberg and Chuck DeBruyn for lots of FUN and INTELLIGENT CONVERSATION!!!!And all YOU have to do is bring a blanket that will then be distributed to the less fortunate in NYC on Christmas Eve. 

Frank talks with Carlos Martinez,CEO and Executive Director of BRIDGES, an organization dedicated through advocacy and leadership to the premise that EVERYONE deserves to live an independent life.

Frank is joined by members of "Preserve Piermont" Kate McCabe, Jeff Gordon, Dennis Hardy and Robert Zitt, who are all fighting to save the character of their picturesque and historic Rockland County village.

Celebrate LGBTQ+ History Month with Alessandra Francisco, Director of Youth & Young Adult Services, and Executive Director Brooke Malloy from the Rockland County Pride Center in Nyack, NY.

Celebrate Italian Heritage Month with Italian-American Scholars Anthony Julian Tamburri and Steve Cerulli from the John D. Calandra Italian American Institute. 

Frank and his guest, Filmmaker Greg Mitchell discuss "Cover-Ups, American Style" - a viewing from 4 of his most impactful films taking place at The Nyack Center on 9/24/25.Joining the conversation is Matthew Seig from the Rivertown Film Society. 

Frank and his guests, writer Anthony Goss and cast members, Lamar K. Cheston and David Roberts, discuss their impactful new play "Castling" at The Penguin Rep Theatre, 7 Crickettown Road,in Stony Point, NY. The show runs until 9/7/2025.For Tickets and Showtimes visit www.penguinrep.org or call 845-786-2873